Annette Nneka Echikunwoke is a distinguished Nigerian-American hammer thrower, known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. Born on July 29, 1996, in Pickerington, Ohio, Echikunwoke initially represented Nigeria in international competitions, where she made history by setting the African record in the hammer throw with a distance of 75.49 meters in 2021.

Her promising career faced a significant setback when she was disqualified from competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics due to administrative issues with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.

Following this disappointment, Echikunwoke switched her allegiance to the United States, where she continued to excel in her sport. Her determination paid off when she won a silver medal in the hammer throw at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first American woman to achieve this milestone. Her journey from representing Nigeria to achieving Olympic success with the United States highlights her resilience and commitment to her craft.

Echikunwoke's athletic career began during her time at the University of Cincinnati, where she shone in track and field. She won the NCAA Indoor Weight Throw title in 2017, marking the beginning of her rise in the sport. Her story is one of perseverance, overcoming challenges, and ultimately achieving greatness on the global stage.

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