Chukwuebuka Enekwachi, a Nigerian-American athlete, has shattered the African shot put record with a remarkable throw of 21.63 metres during an Olympic qualifying event in the Czech Republic.
The achievement was announced by Solomon Ogba, the Deputy President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), through a press release on Friday. Ogba, who previously led the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), highlighted that Enekwachi’s performance not only set a new record but also secured his qualification for the Olympics.
”Enekwachi has achieved a great milestone by registering a new indoor Personal Best (PB) of 21.63m in the men’s shot put at the Hvezdy v. Nehvizdech in the Czech Republic,” Ogba stated.
”He surpassed the previous indoor African record of 21.47m set in 2001 by South Africa’s Janus Roberts, delivering his finest series in the competition with throws exceeding 21 metres in every round: 21.32m 21.63m 21.57m 21.52m X 21.11m.”
Born on January 28, 1993, Enekwachi is a distinguished Nigerian-American track and field athlete, known for his prowess in throwing events. He proudly represents Nigeria on the international stage, as confirmed by Ogba.
Enekwachi, who claimed the silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, is celebrated as the current African shot put champion. His list of accolades includes being the 2019 African Games Champion and the reigning champion of the Nigerian National Sports Festival.
Additionally, Ogba mentioned another notable performance at the same Olympic qualifier: Ruth Usoro’s impressive 6.87-metre jump, further stating the exceptional talent representing Nigeria as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Games.
