A U.S.-based Nigerian, Chukwuebuka Enekwachi, has established a new African record in shot put with a throw of 21.63 meters during an Olympic qualifier held in the Czech Republic.
Solomon Ogba, serving as the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), conveyed this information in a statement released on Friday.
Ogba, who previously held the position of president at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), further clarified that Enekwachi’s accomplishment also secures his qualification for the Olympics.
”Enekwachi has also just landed a big indoor Personal Best (PB) of 21.63m in the men’s shot put at the Hvezdy v. Nehvizdech in the Czech Republic.
”He broke the indoor African record of 21.47m that has stood since 2001, by Janus Roberts of South Africa and put together his best series ever in the event, going over 21 metres on every attempt:
21.32m
21.63m
21 57m
21.52m
X
21.11m.
Enekwachi, born on January 28, 1993, is a Nigerian-American track and field athlete specializing in throwing events. Ogba confirmed that Enekwachi represents Nigeria in international competitions.
He highlighted Enekwachi’s achievements, noting that he is the reigning African champion in shot put and won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Additionally, Ogba mentioned Enekwachi’s titles as the 2019 African Games Champion and the reigning Nigerian National Sports Festival Champion.
Ogba also shared that another athlete, Ruth Usoro, achieved a jump of 6.87 meters in the same qualifier for the Paris 2024 Games.