It was another golden day for Australia at the World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland. Townsville javelin thrower Nash Lowis showed his qualifying performance was no fluke, throwing even further in the final to take the gold.
Lowis is World U20 javelin champion
Nash Lowis is no one-throw wonder. He backed up his huge personal best in qualifying to throw even further in the javelin final and win the World U20s title in Finland with a huge 75.31m.
“I’m over the moon. I was not expecting that whatsoever.”
“I usually do pretty well in competitions. I don't get too phased by the atmosphere of it all. I perform better in competition than training." said Lowis.
The 18-year-old was only second at the Australian Trials in March, behind Cameron McEntyre, but turned a lot of heads in this javelin loving nation when he threw 74.38 metres to top qualifying, a best by over three metres.
He started the final slowly with 67.75m and 69.77m before really winding up. He threw 73.47m on his third attempt to take the lead. His fourth attempt was another huge 72.66m but it was his fifth attempt of 75.31m that sealed the title.
Coach Leslye Muller will be thrilled with the winning distance and consistency of the series. The performance of this young athlete on the other side of the world is even more amazing considering six weeks ago he was doubtful to compete due to injury.
“Every coach is different but most of the stuff my coach teaches me is very different to how other javelin coaches train so it’s very interesting and something I really like.” said Lowis.
American Tzuriel Pedigo won silver with a personal best 73.76m on his final throw and Maurice Voigt (GER) took bronze with a 73.44 personal best.
The only other medal for Australia in this event was Steven Madeo (VIC) with bronze in 1996