Nigeria’s shot put champion, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has hailed his record-breaking 22.10m throw at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene as the defining highlight of his season.
In an interview with Making of Champions, the 32-year-old described finally surpassing the 22-metre mark as a moment that captured years of persistence, resilience, and belief. The historic throw made him the first African ever to cross the 22m mark in men’s shot put, a feat that cements his place among the world’s elite.
“It Almost Got Annoying”—Enekwechion Breaking the 22m Mark
Enekwechi admitted that the pressure to reach 22m had built up over time:
“People were requesting that 22m throw for a long time, and it almost got annoying,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s so difficult… It’s the tip-top of my capability right now. I even started doubting if it was possible.”
The Nigerian athlete explained that his breakthrough came after an intense phase of preparation leading up to the Prefontaine Classic, one of the most competitive meets in world athletics.
“I had some amazing training, and when I went to that Prefontaine Classic and I threw it, I knew it was 22m. It really set in that I accomplished something I didn’t think was possible.”
“I Bring the Fire, I Bring the Fight”
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Enekwechi said:
“I bring the fire, I bring the fight, but there are emotions that come with it. I’m glad people could share that moment with me.”
His 22.10m throw not only shattered the African record but also earned him third place in a meet that saw five athletes surpass 22m the first time in history that such a feat occurred in one competition.
Enekwechi now holds seven of Africa’s top ten all-time shot put performances, further establishing his dominance on the continent.
Strong Finish to a Memorable Season
Enekwechi capped off a remarkable year with a fifth-place finish at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, recording a best throw of 21.52m in the final, his third consecutive global final appearance.
Despite years of pressure and setbacks, Enekwechi says the 2025 season reignited his motivation:
“It got annoying because it’s so difficult… But now I know it’s possible. I’m going to come back better next year.”
With his eyes set on greater heights, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi continues to embody the spirit of Nigerian excellence: power, persistence, and pride.
