Inspiring story behind Annette Echikunwoke's historic medal win for America in hammer throw at Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE: Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, a hammer thrower, was able to compete this time at the Olympics after facing complications in the previous Olympic Games. This time, she did not merely participate in the mega sporting event, but also brought home a medal for the US.

Echikunwoke was prepared to represent Nigeria at the Tokyo Games three years ago, but she was forced to depart before she could even attempt a throw. A few nations, including Nigeria, were designated as "high risk" by anti-doping authorities for track in the run-up to the Olympics, requiring additional drug testing of its competitors.

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke changed nationality from Nigeria to USA

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke was one of the Nigerians who was unable to participate because she did not match the requirements.

The 28-year-old, whose parents are from Nigeria, first chose to represent that country despite being born in Ohio. But following the problems in 2021, she changed her Olympic nation to the United States, and on Tuesday night, she won a silver medal in the hammer, making history as the first American woman to do it. The gold was won by Camryn Rogers of Canada.

What did Annette Nneka Echikunwoke say after winning the medal?

Tuesday's third round saw Annette Nneka Echikunwoke take the lead with a throw of 75.48 meters (247 feet, 7 inches). In contrast, Canada's Camryn Rogers delivered the knockout blow with 76.97 (252-6) on her next-to-last effort to pass her. China's Zhao Jie won the bronze.

"I think [this medal] could have happened three years ago, but I'm happy it's happening now," Echikunwoke said, per ESPN. "I feel like everything happens for a reason, even if it's bad or good or ugly or whatever the case may be. This is beautiful."

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke remembers her time in Tokyo Olympics vividly

Annette Nneka Echikunwoke claimed to have very clear memories of that period spent in Tokyo, including being unable to participate in the opening ceremony. "Not the best feeling, as you could imagine," said the silver medalist hammer thrower.

At the eleventh hour before the 2022 US nationals, Echikunwoke submitted her application to switch her country of competition, which secured her a spot in the world championships. She now represents the United States as an Olympic medalist. "It doesn't feel real right now," she said. "I can't really put it into words."

Internet hails Annette Nneka Echikunwoke's daring decision to leave Nigeria

Netizens congratulated Annette Nneka Echikunwoke for becoming the first woman to win a medal in hammer for the US.

One X user tweeted, "As a Nigerian, I wish Annette the very best for boycotting Nigeria and aligning with the USA to actualize her dreams."

Another wrote, "AFN don't believe that Hammer could get us medal hence the intentional omission."

"Hammer performance, congratulations Nneka," remarked one while someone else said, "Great efforts from great mindset. Congratulations."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.