Valerie Adams Warns of Pressure on Neeraj Chopra to Defend Olympic Gold in 2024

Two-time Olympic champion Valerie Adams has expressed her belief that Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra will be facing immense pressure as he aims to defend his gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games. Adams, who is a retired four-time world champion shot putter, shared her thoughts during a press conference in Bengaluru where she is serving as the ambassador of the TCS World 10K event.

Adams highlighted the ongoing issue of doping in athletics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the sport. She acknowledged the progress that has been made in curbing doping practices but also noted that harsher punitive measures have led to a normalization of the process.

Reflecting on her own career and the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Adams spoke about the pressure that comes with defending an Olympic title. She commended Neeraj Chopra for his achievements at the Tokyo Olympics, where he became the first Indian athlete to win a track and field gold medal.

Adams advised Chopra to focus on his training and block out external distractions in order to maintain his performance level. She emphasized the importance of staying focused on the process that has brought him success in the past.

As Chopra prepares to defend his gold medal in Paris, Adams acknowledged the difficulty of the task but expressed confidence in his abilities to handle the pressure. She encouraged Chopra to stay true to his training regimen and remain focused on his goals despite the expectations placed upon him.

With Adams’ insights into the challenges of defending an Olympic title, Chopra will undoubtedly be looking to draw inspiration from her experiences as he prepares for the upcoming Games in Paris.