By Okon Ekpenyong (Pictures from Team USA)

Ohio born athlete Annette Echikunwoke has won a silver medal in the Hammer Throw event at the ongoing Paris Olympics with a throw of 75.48 meters, making her the first American woman to win a medal in hammer throw. Canadian Camryn Rogers won gold with a throw of  76.97 and Jie Zhao of China won bronze with 74.26.

Born in Pickerington North, Ohio to parents of Nigerian descent, Annette Echikunwoke developed a passion for the hammer throw while participating in the school shot put and discus throw events. In 2024, she made her Olympic debut at the Paris Olympics and won the silver medal with a score of 76.48.

In the qualifying round of Group A, Annette Echikunwoke achieved a commendable second-place finish, scoring 73.52, thus securing her position in the final round. Subsequently, she demonstrated remarkable skill, clinching the silver medal with an impressive score of 75.48. Camryn Rogers of Canada took home the gold, delivering an outstanding performance and scoring 76.97.

She previously competed for the Nigerian Track & Field team but faced challenges with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Despite being initially named to the Nigerian Olympics team for Tokyo 2020, she couldn’t travel due to testing protocol errors by the AFN. Undeterred, Echikunwoke returned to the U.S. and made the Olympic trials team.

On July 30, 2021, she wrote on her social media page after being barred from competing in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics due to testing protocol errors. “Heartbreak and dreams shattered, countless hours of training, sacrifices, and pain… all for nothing,” she said.

“Annette Echikunwoke’s inspiring journey to the Olympics was chronicled in the acclaimed web series “Grind Before You Shine,” a production from her employer, Empower. The series vividly captured her unwavering dedication and resilience as she navigated formidable bureaucratic obstacles, shining a light on the unrelenting spirit of a rising star.”

A proud alumna of the University of Cincinnati, Echikunwoke holds a Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science (2018) and a Master’s degree in Marketing (2019). When she’s not excelling in sports, she works as a Senior Search Specialist at Empower, a national advertising agency in Cincinnati.

Her achievements include – 12th place at the 2022 World Championships – 2017 NCAA Indoor Championships national weight throw champion – School record holder in four of five throwing events at the University of Cincinnati Echikunwoke’s surprise win at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials, with a season’s best throw of 74.68m, secured her spot at the Paris Olympics and ultimately led to her silver medal victory.”

The hammer throw is a track and field event that requires athletes to throw a heavy ball, called a hammer, as far as possible. In this event, athletes use a metal ball attached to a wire and handle. Athletes stand in a circular throwing area, 2.135 meters (7 feet) in diameter, and hold the hammer with both hands.

They swing it behind their head to generate momentum and rotate their body to build speed and power before releasing the hammer for maximum distance. The distance is measured from the center of the throwing circle, and judges evaluate the athlete’s form, footwork, and release technique. Athletes take turns throwing, with the top performers advancing to the final round and the athlete with the longest throw emerging as the winner. The hammer throw requires strength, technique, and coordination, making it a unique and captivating event in track and field.

Support the New Americans magazine to continue to serve our community with precise news that affect the new American, immigrant and refugee community. https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8LHFS78NRNJJY&source=url