South Africa’s Olympic silver medallist javelin thrower Jo-Ane du Plessis (formerly Van Dyk) is in Oslo, which is the latest stop on her Diamond League campaign as she continues to confirm herself as one of the elite throwers in the sport, writes MARK LEMKE.
The 27-year-old arrived in the Norwegian capital from Prague to prepare for her fourth round of the World Athletics Diamond League programme for 2025, having previously competed in Xiamen, Shanghai and Rabat.
Du Plessis is enjoying her first full year on the Diamond League trail, having debuted on the circuit in August last year in Chorzow, Poland. That debut came after winning silver at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 63.93m, which came on the third of her six attempts in the Stade de France.
So far this season her best throw has been 62.53m, which was set in Shanghai early in May and places her 13th on the world rankings based on furthest distance. However, the consistency she is showing sees her sit second in the Diamond League standings.
When asked about her feelings towards her first full season in the Diamond League, the South African star said: “I am still getting used to waiting around for the competitions to come up. In previous years I have been chasing qualification to these events, but now I am already in them. It is amazing to finally be on the circuit. It has always been a dream to compete in it every year.”
The conclusion of Friday’s Diamond League meeting in the Norwegian capital meeting will bring with it a “mid-season reset” for Du Plessis. She will return to South Africa and begin training again with full focus on the World Athletics Championships in September.
“My year is focused on the World Championships. I want to win gold, and I know I can. The best in the world will be there and I love competing with them. I am not looking too far ahead though. There are events before the world championships, like the Diamond League meetings, which are very important in my preparation. They are helpful in familiarising me with different settings and people. So that, as well as my training, should put me in a good position for the World Championships.”
The current African Champion has had the name change after marrying Johan du Plessis last year and the couple have moved to Kraaifontein, near Cape Town’s Cape Winelands, and are enjoying the city they now call home.
“I am so blessed to be with my husband, he is a big support to me. I have been training in Stellenbosch and occasionally at the Bellville Velodrome and being able to come home and be with him, or see friends and family, brings me joy. Cape Town also has endless things to do which brings me a good balance between training and leisure.”
Du Plessis finds herself in a good place both on the field and off. Now, her mind is set on Oslo as she looks to keep up her impressive year and return home with momentum towards the World Championships.
