Big Chuks Breaks Barriers: First African Man to Throw Over 22 Metres in Shot Put

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Shines Bright at Eugene Diamond League, Clinches Third Place with Record-Breaking Throw

admin July 7, 2025

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Chukwuebuka Enekwechi launches a powerful shot put throw during the Eugene Diamond League, setting a new African record of 22.10 metres. — Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in action at the Eugene Diamond League, where he became the first African man to throw over 22 metres in shot put.

In what will go down as a landmark moment in African athletics history, Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi finally earned his long-awaited place in the spotlight, delivering a record-breaking performance at the 2025 Eugene Diamond League.

The 31-year-old shot put specialist threw a staggering 22.10 metres to set a new African Record and finish third in a fiercely contested event. This throw makes Enekwechi the first African man ever to cross the 22-metre threshold in the men’s shot put, cementing his name in the history books and lifting Nigerian athletics to new heights.

The event saw three men surpass the 22-metre mark, with American star Joe Kovacs taking the win with a world-leading throw of 22.48 metres. Roger Steen, also of the United States, narrowly edged out Enekwechi for second place by just one centimetre, setting a new personal best of 22.11 metres on his fifth attempt.

Enekwechi, known affectionately as “Big Chuks,” gave everything in his final attempt to reclaim second place but fell short with a mark of 21.68 metres. Despite missing out on the silver medal, his groundbreaking performance was a triumph not just for himself, but for an entire continent.

A model of consistency and resilience, Enekwechi has been flying Nigeria’s flag high on the international stage since 2017. From medaling at the Commonwealth Games to representing the country at the Olympics and World Championships, his evolution as a top-tier shot putter has been steady, determined, and deeply inspiring.

With this African record, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has now broken through a psychological and physical barrier that no man from the continent had ever crossed. It is a defining moment that could very well inspire a new generation of African throwers.

This is not just a win on the field—it’s a symbolic victory for African strength, perseverance, and representation on the world stage.

Picture Credit: Making of Champions Facebook Page