A Nigerian athlete based in the United States, Chukwuebuka Enekwachi, has made history by setting a new African record of 21.63 meters in the shot put during an Olympic qualifier held in the Czech Republic. 

The 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Solomon Ogba,disclosed this achievement in a statement released on Friday.

Ogba, a former president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, highlighted that Enekwachi’s remarkable performance also serves as an Olympic qualifier. 

He noted, “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.”

Breaking the indoor African record of 21.47m set in 2001 by Janus Roberts of South Africa, Enekwachi showcased his exceptional skill throughout the event. His series of throws included impressive distances, with each attempt surpassing the 21-meter mark:

– 21.32m

– 21.63m

– 21.57m

– 21.52m

– X (foul)

– 21.11m

Born on January 28, 1993, Enekwachi, a Nigerian-American track and field athlete, specializes in throwing events. 

Ogba emphasized that Enekwachi represents Nigeria on the international stage, holding titles such as the 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medalist and the reigning African champion in the shot put. 

Additionally, Enekwachi clinched victory as the 2019 African Games Champion and the reigning Nigerian National Sports Festival Champion.

In the same Olympic qualifier, Ruth Usoro, another Nigerian athlete specializing in jumps, achieved a notable feat by leaping 6.87 meters, also securing a chance to compete in the Paris 2024 Games.