Finland’s javelin prodigy Topi Parveen broke the European U18 record after successfully executing a massive throw of 84.52m at the European Athletics U18 Championships in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
The 15-year-old is the nephew of 1999 javelin world champion and Finnish record-holder Aki Parvienen. Before the championship, Topi was fourth on the European U18 list, but the young athlete proved that his uncle’s elite competition is definitely in his genes.
For the first four rounds, Parvien beat Mate Horvath of Hungary, who threw 73.72 m in the first round. The Finn took the lead in the fifth round by throwing a personal best of 75.98m.
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The European Athletics Twitter handle posted a video of the record-breaking throw from the Finnish prodigy.
“Still the hat is not over with this throw of Parvian. Best of a European U18 15 years old!” the caption read.
Highlight of #jerusalem2022,
The throw from Topi Parviyanen is still not over.
Best in a European U18 15 year old!pic.twitter.com/fA8pCxK7sR
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) 8 July 2022
With all eyes on him in the final round, the 15-year-old looked like an elite athlete being cheered on by the crowd and his opponents. After a spectacular run-up, Topi launched his 700g javelin which soared into the night sky and descended at 84.52m, an improvement from 58cm to Niklas Kaul’s previous continental best of 83.94m from 2015.
“Early in the competition, I thought I might not win because I did a really bad second throw, but as I was getting ready for my last throw, I found it really good to cheer everyone on, including my opponents. Felt. We all have a great atmosphere,” Parveen said after his amazing feat.
Topi is the nephew of Finnish track and field athlete Aki Parvienen who won the gold medal in 1999. World championship and silver at the 2001 World Championships. Aki’s best throw of 93.09m, recorded in 1999, is still a Finnish record and is placed fourth on the all-time list.
The heavy throw would surely have made Topi’s uncle and his spear-crazy country proud. Topi won his first gold medal on the international stage and will be hoping it will be the start of a stellar career for him.
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