The men's javelin throw competition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

[1][2] Defending champion, Keshorn Walcott started the final with a respectable 83.45 m. The second thrower was Johannes Vetter who topped it with an 85.32 m. The eighth thrower in the round was reigning World Champion Julius Yego, who tossed it 88.24 m (289 ft 6 in), landing on his hands to avoid a face plant on the runway.

As the final thrower in the fourth round, Yego twisted his left ankle during his fouled attempt.

On his fifth attempt, Röhler threw it 90.30 m (296 ft 3 in), less than a foot short of the Olympic record, to move ahead of Yego.

All twelve starters were allowed three throws in the final, with the top eight athletes after that point receiving three further attempts.