Twitter Rewards Rare Gold Badge to Pakistan’s Olympic Champion Arshad Nadeem

X (formerly known as Twitter) has awarded the rare gold badge, exclusively given to Olympic gold medalists, to Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, following his world record-breaking performance in the men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics.

Arshad Nadeem entered the competition as an underdog, with perhaps less name recognition than his Indian rival Neeraj Chopra. However, on Thursday night at the Stade de France, Nadeem defied expectations and delivered a performance for the ages. Winning the men’s javelin final, he became the first track and field athlete from Pakistan to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games.

Arshad Nadeem’s victory was not just a win; it was a statement. He beat his longtime rival and friend Neeraj Chopra and shattered the Olympic record in the process. The previous record of 90.57 meters, held by Norway’s Andreas Thorkildsen since the Beijing 2008 Olympics, was left in the dust as Nadeem launched his second throw. The crowd erupted in shocked delight when the distance was announced: 92.97 meters.

With his arms thrown up in celebration and near disbelief, Arshad Nadeem watched as the record flashed up on the board, confirming that it was the longest throw in the world this year. This monumental achievement not only secured him the gold medal but also placed him among the elite javelin throwers in Olympic history.

In winning gold, Arshad Nadeem became Pakistan’s first Olympic medalist since 1992, when the country won a bronze medal in men’s hockey in Barcelona. His record-breaking throw also made him only the fourth athlete to cross the 90-meter mark in the men’s javelin at the Olympic Games. This victory is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting the potential of its athletes on the global stage.