Nigerian shotputter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has made history by becoming the first African to surpass the 22-metre mark in the men’s shotput, delivering a landmark throw of 22.10 metres at the Eugene Diamond League in the United States.

The 31-year-old’s record-breaking performance not only shattered his previous personal best of 21.91m set at the same venue last year, but also established a new African record, elevating him into the elite ranks of global shot putters.

His throw earned him third place in a fiercely contested field, with two Americans finishing just ahead of him.

Joe Kovacs, the reigning world champion, won the event with a world-leading throw of 22.48m, while Roger Steen narrowly claimed second place with a personal best of 22.11m, just a centimetre ahead of Enekwechi.

Despite a strong final attempt, the Nigerian’s last effort measured 21.68m and was not enough to reclaim second spot. Nonetheless, his performance marked a historic milestone not just for Nigeria but for the entire African continent.

Born to Nigerian parents from Anambra and Imo states, Enekwechi has steadily risen through the ranks of international athletics.

Since first breaking the 20-metre barrier in 2016, he has gone on to dominate at the continental level, winning gold at the 2019 African Games with a record-setting 21.48m and representing Nigeria at the World Championships and Olympics.

Outside the circle, Enekwechi balances life as a coach at West Lafayette High School in Indiana. His younger brother, Chukwusom, also excels athletically — performing as “Tyriek Igwe” in the WWE’s NXT wrestling brand.