Nigeria’s shot putter, Enekwechi shines in Budapest with 21.15m throw 

Nigerian shot put star and African record holder, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, delivered an outstanding performance at the prestigious Gyulai István Memorial on Tuesday, launching the shot to an impressive 21.15 metres to clinch the bronze medal in a highly competitive field.

The event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, attracted some of the world’s top throwers, and Enekwechi did not disappoint, stamping his authority as one of the continent’s most consistent performers in the discipline.

His 21.15m effort not only secured a third-place finish but also reaffirmed his status as one of the top shot putters globally this season.

The competition was won by Joe Kovacs of the United States, a two-time World Champion, who unleashed a massive throw of 22.33 metres to take top honors. New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, another seasoned campaigner and Olympic bronze medallist, claimed the silver medal with a strong throw of 21.52 metres.

Enekwechi’s bronze is another notable achievement in what has been a stellar season so far.

The Nigerian has consistently thrown beyond the 21-metre mark, and his form suggests he could be a serious contender heading into major championships, including the upcoming World Athletics Championships and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Speaking after the event, Enekwechi expressed satisfaction with his performance, saying:

“It’s always a great feeling to share the podium with athletes like Joe and Tom. Every competition is a step towards my bigger goals this season. I’m focused and grateful for the progress.”

With this performance, Enekwechi continues to cement his legacy as Nigeria’s finest shot putter and remains the African record holder in the event.