Nigerian shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has made history by becoming the first African to surpass the 22-metre mark in the men’s shot put, delivering a landmark throw of 22.10 meters at the Eugene Diamond League in the United States.
The 31-year-old’s record-breaking performance not only shattered his previous personal best of 21.91m — set at the same venue last year — but also established a new African record, elevating him into the elite ranks of global shot putters.
His throw earned him third place in a fiercely contested field, with two Americans finishing just ahead of him.
Joe Kovacs, the reigning world champion, won the event with a world-leading throw of 22.48m, while Roger Steen narrowly claimed second place with a personal best of 22.11m, just a centimetre ahead of Enekwechi.
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Despite a strong final attempt, the Nigerian’s last effort measured 21.68m and was not enough to reclaim second spot. Nonetheless, his performance marked a historic milestone not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.
Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Born to Nigerian parents from Anambra and Imo states, Enekwechi has steadily risen through the ranks of international athletics.
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Since first breaking the 20-metre barrier in 2016, he has gone on to dominate at the continental level, winning gold at the 2019 African Games with a record-setting 21.48m and representing Nigeria at the World Championships and Olympics.
Outside the circle, Enekwechi balances life as a coach at West Lafayette High School in Indiana. His younger brother, Chukwusom, also excels athletically — performing as “Tyriek Igwe” in the WWE’s NXT wrestling brand.
Saturday’s achievement further cements Enekwechi’s legacy as Africa’s greatest shot putter to date
