Neeraj Chopra sends emotional message to retiring coach Klaus Bartonietz

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Briefly stated

Heading back home and retiring is the plan for the German coach.
In Tokyo Olympics, Bartonietz was in charge when Neeraj clinched the gold medal.
In 2019, Neeraj and Bartonietz united forces.

Neeraj Chopra, the javelin thrower, bid a poignant goodbye as he revealed the end of his collaboration with his longtime coach Klaus Bartonietz, who is retiring and heading back to Germany. Their journey together has been adorned with extraordinary successes, such as Neeraj’s groundbreaking victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, an additional Olympic medal, two gold medals at the Asian Games, and a World Championship triumph.

In October, PTI reported that Bartonietz had indicated his desire to conclude the fruitful collaboration with Neeraj and return home. Citing his age and family obligations, the 75-year-old decided to part company with the Indian Javelin sensation. Neeraj, in response, acknowledged Bartonietz as not just a coach but also a guiding figure in his journey.

In the face of challenges and setbacks throughout his career, the javelin star expressed gratitude towards his German coach for unwavering support. Saying farewell to their time together, Neeraj conveyed his appreciation and well wishes for Bartonietz’s retirement. To commemorate their journey, the 26-year-old shared a touching video on his X account, showcasing their bond as a formidable team.

As I pen down these words, I am unsure of where to start. Dear Coach, you transcend the role of a mere mentor in my life. Your guidance has been instrumental in shaping not only my athletic abilities but also my character development. Your unwavering support in ensuring my readiness, both mentally and physically, for every challenge has not gone unnoticed. Your steadfast presence during times of injury has been a source of strength for me.

Thank you for being a steadfast presence, offering support during the peaks and valleys alike. Though silent among the crowd, your encouragement echoed loudly in my thoughts every time I stepped up to throw. The memories of our jokes and shared laughter will be cherished, but above all, the camaraderie we built as a team will be missed. Grateful for your companionship on this path, and appreciative for the role you played in mine.

In 2019, Bartonietz, a 75-year-old biomechanical expert, initially joined the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). Following a rift between the athlete, Uwe Hohn (Chopra’s former mentor), and the AFI, Bartonietz took over as Chopra’s coach. Their collaboration culminated in Chopra securing the second position at the Diamond League final in Brussels earlier this year.