Overview

• Julian Weber recorded 86.11 meters for fifth at the World Championships in Tokyo as Keshorn Walcott won gold with 88.16 meters, ahead of Anderson Peters (87.38) and Curtis Thompson (86.67).
• The 31-year-old entered as the season leader after three 90m-plus throws and a 91.51m Diamond League best in Zürich that had installed him as the favorite.
• Weber and coach Burkhard Looks pointed to a recent infection and weakened legs, with the coach noting that throwing far is not possible on arm strength alone.
• His 87.21m qualifying mark would have secured a medal in the final, which unfolded in rain and wind as Weber struggled to find timing and drive.
• The result extends a run of near-misses at global events, and German coverage now shifts to remaining medal hopes, including decathlete Leo Neugebauer and shot put Olympic champion Yemisi Ogunleye, as the team still seeks its first gold of these Worlds.