In the cool evening air of Szczecin, Poland, Annu Rani stepped onto the runway without the one figure she has grown accustomed to relying on — Sergey Makarov, Russia’s Olympic and world medallist. Normally, Makarov would be just metres away, eyes locked on her approach, ready to whisper last-second cues. But this time, he was over 700 kilometres away, barred from entering Poland under national restrictions on Russians.
And yet, Annu delivered — and how. Launching the javelin to 62.59 metres at the International Wiesław Maniak Memorial, she claimed gold and broke a medal drought stretching back to the Hangzhou Asian Games. Now, she turns her focus to tomorrow’s Indian Open 2025 World Athletics Bronze Level Continental Tour at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium — India’s first-ever Bronze Level meet under the prestigious World Athletics banner.
Gold in Poland Without a Coach
Annu’s victory in Poland was as much a test of mental resilience as of physical prowess. She opened with 60.96m — already enough for gold — then unleashed her winning 62.59m throw in the second round. She closed with 60.07m, marking her third 60-plus metre performance in the past year, and her first since Hangzhou.
The result vaulted her into the world’s top 15 this season and placed her tantalisingly close to the 64m automatic qualifying mark for the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
I’ve thrown 62-63m many times before, but suddenly I couldn’t even cross 60m. I told myself, ‘When the time comes, I’ll get the result.
Russian Lessons, German Inspiration
Annu’s European stint — delayed by visa issues — began just three weeks ago, focused on runway speed, technique, and jump training. Even in Makarov’s absence in Poland, the work they put in showed.
She also trained alongside Germany’s Johannes Vetter, the 97-metre powerhouse, soaking in his aggression and relentless work ethic.
Even when results aren’t coming, he works with so much dedication. It taught me to keep practising and never give up.
Discipline Over Diet
In Europe’s meat-heavy food culture, Annu stays vegetarian by choice. “It’s not that non-veg will make me better. It’s about mindset and what suits your body.”
She draws parallels with global sporting icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, stressing adaptation with age — adjusting diet, refining technique, and managing training load.
Eyes on Bhubaneswar and Beyond
For Annu, Poland was more than a medal — it was proof she can excel despite disrupted preparation and no coach at her side. The Bhubaneswar meet will be another test before the World Athletics Championships, and possibly a stepping stone towards her best-ever throw.
If her form in Poland is any indication, the javelin spear will fly far in Bhubaneswar — even if her Russian coach still can’t be there.
