January 20, 2026
Javelin star Haruka Kitaguchi ends her coaching relationship with David Sekerak, stating she’s “taken a step forward.” She may now train with the world record holder.
Olympic javelin gold medalist Haruka Kitaguchi (JAL) has announced on her social media that she has ended her coaching relationship with David Sekerak.
Kitaguchi first connected with Czech coach Sekerak through a javelin conference during her third year at Nihon University in 2018, when he was absent from her university. She traveled to Domazlice, Czech Republic, and directly requested his coaching. Upon returning to Japan, she set a new national record of 64.36m in the spring of 2019. She continued to spend half of each year in the Czech Republic and Europe.
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Sekerak is also a former javelin thrower and previously coached the Czech national junior team. This provided Kitaguchi, who was initially raw, with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of javelin throwing, leading to her subsequent success. She won a bronze medal at the 2022 Oregon World Championships – the first medal ever for a female thrower – and went on to become world champion at the 2023 Budapest World Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Last year’s Tokyo World Championships saw her exit in the qualifying round due to a right elbow injury sustained in June.
Kitaguchi, who traveled to the Czech Republic on her own, was warmly welcomed by the Sekerak family and the local community. She wrote, “Seven years ago, I was still a university student and didn’t know anything about the world. It was thanks to David and his family, teammates, and the people of the town that I was able to venture abroad.” Kitaguchi also diligently learned the difficult Czech language and fostered connections.
Now, driven by a desire to “see more of the world” as she continues her athletic career, Kitaguchi states she has “taken a step forward.” She has begun discussions with Jan Železný, the Czech world record holder, and plans to travel to a training camp in South Africa to “discuss the possibility of working together in the future.” Železný, 59, is a legendary figure, having won three Olympic gold medals, three World Championship titles, and setting the still-standing world record of 98.48m in 1996. He now focuses on coaching the next generation.
“I understand there will be various opinions about this decision, especially after winning the world championship, but I would appreciate your warm support for this new challenge,” Kitaguchi concluded. Aiming for Olympic repeat victories, Asian records, and even the world record, she continues to forge her own path and strive for excellence in javelin throwing.
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Olympic javelin gold medalist Haruka Kitaguchi (JAL) has announced on her social media that she has ended her coaching relationship with David Sekerak.
Haruka Kitaguchi first connected with Czech coach Sekerak through a javelin conference during her third year at Nihon University in 2018, when he was absent from her university. She traveled to Domazlice, Czech Republic, and directly requested his coaching. Upon returning to Japan, she set a new national record of 64.36m in the spring of 2019. She continued to spend half of each year in the Czech Republic and Europe.
Sekerak is also a former javelin thrower and previously coached the Czech national junior team. This provided Kitaguchi, who was initially raw, with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of javelin throwing, leading to her subsequent success. She won a bronze medal at the 2022 Oregon World Championships – the first medal ever for a female thrower – and went on to become world champion at the 2023 Budapest World Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Last year’s Tokyo World Championships saw her exit in the qualifying round due to a right elbow injury sustained in June.
Kitaguchi, who traveled to the Czech Republic on her own, was warmly welcomed by the Sekerak family and the local community. She wrote, “Seven years ago, I was still a university student and didn’t know anything about the world. It was thanks to David and his family, teammates, and the people of the town that I was able to venture abroad.” Kitaguchi also diligently learned the difficult Czech language and fostered connections.
Now, driven by a desire to “see more of the world” as she continues her athletic career, Kitaguchi states she has “taken a step forward.” She has begun discussions with Jan Železný, the Czech world record holder, and plans to travel to a training camp in South Africa to “discuss the possibility of working together in the future.” Železný, 59, is a legendary figure, having won three Olympic gold medals, three World Championship titles, and setting the still-standing world record of 98.48m in 1996. He now focuses on coaching the next generation.
“I understand there will be various opinions about this decision, especially after winning the world championship, but I would appreciate your warm support for this new challenge,” Kitaguchi concluded. Aiming for Olympic repeat victories, Asian records, and even the world record, she continues to forge her own path and strive for excellence in javelin throwing.
The Evolving Landscape of Elite Athletics Coaching
Haruka Kitaguchi’s decision to explore a new coaching relationship with Jan Železný highlights a growing trend in elite athletics: athletes taking greater control of their development and seeking specialized expertise. Historically, athletes often remained with a single coach throughout their careers. However, the demands of modern competition, coupled with advancements in sports science, are driving a shift towards more dynamic coaching arrangements.
The Rise of Specialist Coaching
The days of the all-encompassing coach are fading. Athletes now frequently assemble a team of specialists – biomechanics experts, nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches, and mental performance coaches – alongside their primary track and field coach. Železný represents a unique specialization: a world record holder offering unparalleled technical insight into javelin throwing. This mirrors trends in other sports, like Formula 1 racing, where teams employ dedicated strategists, aerodynamicists, and data analysts.
Globalized Training and Cultural Exchange
Kitaguchi’s initial journey to the Czech Republic exemplifies another key trend: the globalization of athletic training. Athletes are increasingly willing to train abroad, immersing themselves in different cultures and benefiting from unique training environments. This isn’t just about access to better facilities; it’s about exposure to different training philosophies and perspectives. Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running, for example, is often attributed to its high-altitude training and unique running culture. World Athletics details the factors contributing to Kenyan success.
Data-Driven Coaching and Performance Analysis
Modern coaching is heavily reliant on data. Wearable technology, video analysis, and sophisticated software allow coaches to track an athlete’s performance in minute detail. This data informs training plans, identifies areas for improvement, and helps prevent injuries. Companies like Catapult Sports provide athletes and teams with wearable technology to track performance metrics. Železný’s potential involvement could bring a wealth of observational data combined with his own experiential knowledge, creating a powerful synergy.
What This Means for the Future of Javelin Throwing
Kitaguchi’s move could inspire other athletes to proactively seek out the best possible support system, regardless of geographical boundaries or traditional coaching norms. The potential partnership with Železný is particularly intriguing. His legendary status and technical expertise could unlock new levels of performance for Kitaguchi, potentially challenging the existing world record.
Will We See More Athletes “Coach-Hop”?
It’s likely. As athletes become more sophisticated and empowered, they will be less hesitant to change coaches if they believe it will enhance their performance. This could lead to a more fluid coaching landscape, with athletes assembling and disassembling teams of specialists as needed. However, building trust and rapport with a coach remains crucial, and frequent changes could disrupt an athlete’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Haruka Kitaguchi end her relationship with David Sekerak? She stated she wanted to explore new perspectives and continue her development by seeking out different expertise.
- Who is Jan Železný? He is a Czech javelin thrower who holds the world record and is considered one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.
- What is the benefit of training with a world record holder? A world record holder can provide unique technical insights and a deep understanding of the nuances of the sport.
- Is it common for athletes to change coaches? It is becoming increasingly common as athletes take more control of their careers and seek specialized expertise.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to seek out multiple opinions and perspectives when it comes to your training. Surrounding yourself with a diverse team of experts can help you unlock your full potential.
What are your thoughts on Kitaguchi’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below! Explore more articles on elite athletic training here. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and insights.
