Riyadh 2025: Oyesade Rues Gold Medal Miss In Women’s Hammer Throw Event

Team Nigeria’s Olatoye Oyesade has expressed disappointment at missing out on the gold medal, ultimately settling for silver in the Women’s Hammer Throw Final at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The America-based athlete lost first place to Algeria’s Zahra Tatar after what she described as disappointing throws in her final attempts. Oyesade secured the silver medal with a throw of 63.34 metres, while Tatar claimed the Gold with a throw of 63.55 metres. Norsijovona Zarinakhon of Uzbekistan finished third with a throw of 61.69 metres.

Despite the silver medal finish, Oyesade remains optimistic that her performance at the Games will motivate her to intensify her preparations for a podium finish at next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

“I am very pleased with this competition and the exposure it has provided. It will definitely drive me forward as I aim for a podium finish at the Commonwealth Games after finishing fourth in Birmingham in 2022,” she remarked.

“I am truly excited for next year, and coming away with a medal from here is still fantastic, even though I didn’t win the ultimate prize, which is the Gold medal.”

“It’s been a long season on the track, with the World Championships in Tokyo expected to conclude it. Competing here during our off-season has its challenges, but it is always a rare privilege and an honour to represent my country,” she added.

As it stands, Nigeria’s medal tally at the Games now totals 18—comprising 6 Gold medals, 8 Silver medals, and 4 Bronze medals.