World U20 Championships: Commonwealth Silver Medallist Oji Powers Into Shot Put Final

Nigeria’s Jessica Oji delivered another outstanding performance at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA, on Thursday, qualifying for the women’s shot put final as the top-ranked athlete.

The 19-year-old produced a best throw of 17.56 metres to surpass the automatic qualifying standard and finish first overall in the qualification round. She ended ahead of Ecuador’s Belsy Jennifer Quinonez, who threw 17.25m, while Germany’s Emily Scherf placed third with 16.58m.

Oji’s latest feat continues her remarkable run of form after claiming the silver medal in the women’s shot put at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where she recorded a personal best of 17.87m.

Having secured her place in the final with her opening throw, Oji conserved energy for the medal contest and will return to action later on Thursday evening in Oregon (3:40am Friday, Nigerian time).

The impressive display further highlights the teenager’s rapid rise in the event, reinforcing her status as one of Nigeria’s most promising young field athletes.

Fresh from a Commonwealth Games podium finish, Oji will now aim to convert her dominant qualifying performance into a medal in the World U20 Championships final.