Julius Yego Resigns As Kenya Olympics’ Athletics Captain

Former world javelin champion and 2016 Olympic silver medalist Julius Yego has resigned as captain of Kenya Olympics athletics on Wednesday, citing unfavorable “environment” at residential training camp in Nairobi.

Yego, who is Africa’s most successful javelin thrower, made his announcement in a statement published on his Facebook page. His decision to quit comes a day after complaining of broken promises of providing him with a coach at the bubble camp.

“I want to take opportunity to say I will disappoint you and renounce my captaincy for team Kenya’s Olympic athletics team.The environment for me to be the captain aren’t favorable for me to lead this team,” Yego posted.

“I will remain an active member of the team and will help where need be. We will choose a new captain in due course but Eunice Sum will lead us until we elect a new captain.”

The 32-year-old star had forwarded his complain to Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, but failed to get response with three weeks remaining to the global show.

The self-trained javelin thrower made an 88.24m throw on August 20, 2016 during the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games and struck a silver medal.

He has not competed since 2019 when he represented Kenya at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

His 92.72m throw at the 2015 World Championship makes him the fifth best javelin athlete in the world.