Enekwechi Calls For More Investment In Throws After Historic Commonwealth Gold

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who made history as the first Nigerian man to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the shot put, has urged the country to increase investment in throwing events, saying his victory should serve as an inspiration for emerging athletes.

Enekwechi secured the gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, completing a remarkable comeback after finishing fourth in Birmingham four years earlier. He had previously claimed silver in the 2018 edition.

In an interview with the Times of India during the World Athletics Silver Level Continental Tour in Bhubaneswar, the 33-year-old described the triumph as a defining moment.

“It was amazing, especially in the moment. My life has not changed very much, but it was a piece of history. It was a huge honour. Many people have tried before me; many people have come close. So, for me to execute and become the first person from Nigeria in history, it is something that nobody can take away from me,” Enekwechi said.

He admitted that the disappointment of his fourth-place finish in Birmingham had intensified the pressure ahead of Glasgow.

“A lot can change in one year, let alone eight years. I tried in Birmingham to get a medal, and I did not. I got fourth. So, the pressure was double leading up to Glasgow,” he added.

Despite his achievement, Enekwechi expressed concern over the disparity in support between throwers and athletes in sprints and jumps, attributing the gap to infrastructure and funding challenges.

“I think a lot of it is infrastructure issues. A lot of the attention goes towards sprints and towards events that already have funding from shoe companies. The throws do not have very much funding at all, so that would make a big difference,” he said.

Enekwechi, who discovered shot put while a student at Purdue University in Indiana, United States, where he joined the athletics team to access the weight room, said his unconventional path should encourage young Nigerian throwers not to be deterred by their physical stature.

“Give yourself a chance. When you look at me, I am not the biggest thrower. I am probably the shortest guy in the field. I am 180cm.

If you looked at me, especially before I put on a lot of muscle, you would not think of me as a world-class or 22-metre shot putter. But I took a chance, and I was able to execute it,” he said.