Yego's early training was unconventional. Without a coach, he turned to YouTube for guidance, earning him the nickname 'Mr YouTube Man'. He watched videos to improve his technique and gain insights into training methods used by top athletes. This self-driven approach paid off as he honed his skills and made significant progress in javelin throwing.

Achievements and Milestones

Yego's dedication and hard work led to numerous accolades. He became the first Kenyan athlete to represent the country in javelin at the Olympic Games in London 2012. At the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, despite suffering ankle and groin injuries, he won a silver medal, becoming the first Kenyan to finish on the podium in a field event at the Olympics.

In 2015, Yego won gold at the World Championships in Beijing, making him the first Kenyan to win a medal in a field event at the world championships. His achievements have earned him several awards, including Kenyan Athletics Field Athlete of the Year and Male Athlete of the Year in 2015.

Challenges and Injuries

Yego faced significant challenges throughout his career. The injuries sustained during the 2016 Olympics affected his performance for three years. Despite these setbacks, he continued to compete at high levels and remained a prominent figure in Kenyan athletics.

Personal Life and Education

Yego resides in Nairobi with his son Jarvis. He is fluent in English and Swahili and balances his athletic career with his role as a police officer. Additionally, he has pursued further education at Kenyatta University in Nairobi.

Coaching and Support

Yego is coached by Joseph Musonik. He has expressed concerns about the lack of support for javelin throwers in Kenya. Despite being the only Kenyan to have thrown further than 80 metres, he hopes for more support from the federation to nurture new talent in javelin throwing.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Yego aims to win gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. However, he does not expect to compete by the time of the 2024 Paris Games. He hopes that new athletes will emerge to continue Kenya's legacy in javelin throwing.

Philosophy and Inspiration

Yego lives by the motto "Quitters never win." He draws inspiration from Norwegian javelin thrower Andreas Thorkildsen and Finnish javelin thrower Tero Pitkamaki. His journey from self-taught athlete to an Olympic medallist serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

Julius Yego's story is one of perseverance, innovation, and success against all odds. His contributions to Kenyan athletics have paved the way for future generations of javelin throwers.