The Magic of the 'Whoosh': A Tale of Olympic Rivalry

Arshad Nadeem, with his unique run-in that might easily make you mistake him for a weightlifter or heavyweight boxer strayed onto the athletics track, bewilders spectators until the revelation of his whooshing javelin throw. This invigorating moment is reminiscent of when Jeff Thomson used to shuffle up to the crease and deliver his triumphant wang, using a similar mix of arm, shoulder, hip, and pure willpower.

In contrast is Neeraj Chopra, who strikes you as an athlete from every angle, with his energetic sprint, fierce eyes, and radiant appearance. Chopra commands attention with his splendid whoosh that echoes throughout the stadium and announces his presence with an unmistakable howl.

However, the true spectacle captures the attention of the commentator as Nadeem’s javelin arcs through the Paris air, signaling an Olympic record. The moment of 90m-plus is termed as massive, enormous, and ultimately the gold. However, Nadeem’s reactions set him apart. He offers nothing more than a gratitude-filled prayer, asserting his determination as there are more rounds to go.

Arshad Nadeem's competition is intriguing as his rival isn't fellow athletes, but himself. This sentiment echoes in his statement to Al Jazeera before heading for the Paris Games. The rivalry in question extends to Neeraj Chopra and Anderson Peters. Athletes undergo grueling practice hours honing their craft, aiming to surpass their personal records, the ultimate testament of their growth.

To trace Nadeem's achievements over time, he started a decade ago with barely 60m. By 2015, he clinched the national gold with 70m, by 2016, a bronze at the South Asian Games with 78.33m. In the recent past, he triumphed at the Commonwealth games with a 90m throw, and now, it's his third time crossing the 90m benchmark. This legacy of Arshad Nadeem, competing against himself and subsequently triumphing over others is an inspirational exploration into the soul of professional Olympic sports.