Neeraj Chopra has expressed heartfelt sentiments as he bids farewell to his long-time coach, Dr. Klaus Bartonietz, who is retiring after a successful coaching career. Chopra, the two-time Olympic medalist and reigning world champion in javelin throw, took to social media to share his gratitude and emotions regarding their partnership, which began in 2019.
In his emotional message, Chopra reflected on the profound impact Bartonietz had on his life and career, stating, “Coach, you are more than just a mentor to me. Everything you taught has helped me grow both as an athlete and a person.” He highlighted the coach’s unwavering support during challenging times, especially through injuries, and noted the joy they shared through pranks and laughter.
Chopra emphasized that he would miss their dynamic as a team, saying, “I will miss US as a team.” Under Bartonietz’s guidance, Chopra achieved remarkable milestones, including winning gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and securing multiple medals at prestigious international competitions.
Bartonietz, now 75 years old, decided to retire due to family commitments and has been instrumental in shaping Chopra into a world-class athlete. Their collaboration has been marked by significant achievements, making this farewell particularly poignant for both the athlete and his coach.