Kemboi dreaming big, sets sight on global para athletics javelin mark

Para athlete javelin thrower Nathan Kemboi/ TEDDY MULEI

African men's Para Athletics javelin F46 record holder Nathan Kemboi has set his sights on the ultimate prize in his discipline, the men's world record, confident that a massive throw is within his reach.

Javelin F46 in para athletics is a classification for field athletes with upper limb impairments, including single-arm amputations or moderate movement limitations in one or both arms.

Athletes in this category must generate explosive power by driving momentum from their legs and hips through the torso before unleashing the javelin, making technique and timing just as crucial as raw strength. The men's F46 world record stands at 68.60m, set by India's Sundar Singh Gurjar last year.

Kemboi has enjoyed a remarkable run of form on the Para Athletics global circuit and local meets since the start of the 2026 season.

He opened his campaign at the Dubai World Para Athletics Grand Prix in February, where he launched the spear to 54.11m to finish second behind India's Rinku Hooda (59.46m). This performance saw him establish a new African record.

The Kenyan thrower then returned to action at the African Championships trials in April, where he bettered his continental mark with a throw of 59.26m.

Buoyed by his steady progression and growing confidence in the throwing circle, Kemboi now believes the global mark is within striking distance. "My target is to break the world record in the Para Athletics javelin F46," Kemboi said.

Before launching an assault on the world mark, Kemboi will fine-tune his form at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Cali, Colombia, scheduled for September 17-20. The African record holder revealed that he had initially planned to compete at this week's Tunisia World Para Athletics Grand Prix (June 11-20), but logistical challenges disrupted those plans.

"I was not able to travel to Tunisia because of some logistical complications," he said. With Colombia now firmly in his sights, Kemboi is targeting another significant breakthrough as he continues his upward trajectory. "The focus now is on Colombia in September, where I hope to throw around 64 metres," he said.

"After that, I will come back home and sharpen myself to find the other few metres left so I can attack the world record."

Kemboi believes that breaking his own African record has provided the motivation and confidence needed to pursue even greater milestones. "I was able to break my own African record, and that really motivated me and pushed me."

Beyond his immediate goals, Kemboi is also laying the groundwork for a strong 2026 campaign as he builds towards the 2027 World Para Athletics Championships. "The biggest focus now is ensuring I meet the entry standards for next year's World Para Championships," he said.

The World Para Athletics Championships are scheduled for June 19-27, 2027, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Kemboi is equally determined to position himself for a strong showing at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. "My target is to also ensure I have a strong 2027 season so that I can qualify and fight for a podium place at the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles," he said.