By SHELDON LONGLEY Guardian Sports Editor
Copyright thenassauguardian
TOKYO, Japan — Ever since he had a massive throw of 80-plus meters (m) and set a new national record in the men’s javelin competition two years ago, and an ensuing elbow injury, it’s been a struggle for Bahamian Keystawn Strachan to get back to that point.
Now, competing in his first world championships, the Bahamian turned in an 80m throw for just the fourth time in his career, but missed out on getting into the final of that event.
Strachan had a best throw of 80.03m (262’ 7”) to finish 12th in his group, and 22nd overall, in the men’s javelin competition at the 20th World Athletics Championships at the Japan National Stadium on Wednesday.
Strachan’s massive throw of 80.03m came on his first attempt. He scratched the other two. Ultimately, he needed a distance of 82.80m (271’ 8”) to get into the world championships final. Just the 12 best throwers, or an automatic qualifying distance of 84.50m (277’ 3”), got into the world championships final. The final qualifying distance was 82.80m.
“I felt like I could have done a little better. It’s been a long season, and I feel like I wasn’t at my best, but I’m still proud of my performance. To God be the glory — I give it all to Him,” said Strachan. “I’m happy to be over 80 meters again. Everyone knows my story — I feel like I’m still recovering. I don’t use it as an excuse, but I believe I have a long way to go. I’m still young, so there is no stress and no added pressure on myself. I’m just going with the flow.”
Strachan, 21, had a massive throw of 84.27m (276’ 5”) for a new national record at the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays in Austin, Texas, in March of 2023. Shortly afterwards, he suffered a severe elbow injury and has been recovering ever since.
Strachan’s long road to recovery caused him to miss the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. He said he still feels pain in his elbow, and it’s quite possible that he will require surgery.
“Overall, it was a good experience for me — competing against some of the big dogs in the sport. I was surrounded by greatness — World and Olympic champions,” said Strachan. “You had guys out there who have thrown over 90 meters. Just to be among greatness, it means a lot to me. I’m just grateful that I had an opportunity to be out there. I believe I just have to stay humble, and everything will work out for me eventually.”
At just 21, Strachan was the youngest athlete in the field on Wednesday. Also, as mentioned, he was competing in his first world championships. In reality, it was his first experience at any global competition on the senior side.
The Bahamian national record holder in the men’s javelin is now in his senior year with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cornhuskers in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“It was great being out there. A competition like this could only motivate me going forward,” said Strachan. “I feel like I’m ready for any college competition right now. I’m looking forward to having a strong season.”
As mentioned, Strachan’s throw on Wednesday was just the fourth 80m throw of his career. The sky is the limit for the Bahamian javelin thrower.
Anthonique Strachan will be the only athlete in competition for The Bahamas on Thursday. She will run in the semifinals of the women’s 200m.
Strachan will run out of lane six in the first of three semifinal heats at 9:24 p.m. in Tokyo tonight, 8:24 a.m. Thursday morning in The Bahamas. The top two finishers in each semifinal heat, and the next two fastest times, will qualify for Friday’s final.
