Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga’s world No. 1 ranking could come under threat after Germany’s Julian Weber produced a massive 90.40-metre throw at a European athletics competition on Saturday (15).
Weber, currently ranked world No. 2 in the men’s javelin, is Rumesh’s closest challenger in the World Athletics rankings.
The German’s 90.40m performance could strengthen his ranking points when the World Athletics rankings are next updated, potentially putting Rumesh’s No. 1 position under pressure.
However, World Athletics rankings are not determined solely by an athlete’s longest throw. The ranking system takes into account performance scores and placing scores from eligible competitions, meaning Weber moving to No. 1 will depend on the official ranking calculation.
The battle between the two athletes is set to continue at the Lausanne Diamond League in Switzerland on August 21, where Rumesh and Weber are expected to compete against each other.
The meeting could provide Rumesh with an opportunity to strengthen his position in the rankings, particularly if he finishes ahead of Weber.
Rumesh’s rise to the top of the world rankings has marked a significant achievement for Sri Lankan athletics, with the upcoming Lausanne meeting now carrying added significance in the battle for the world No. 1 position. (Newswire)