Nigeria’s Enekwechi fails to win at Tokyo as American retains men’s shot put gold

Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi failed to win a medal in the men’s shot put final at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games on Thursday.

The Nigerian athlete was placed 12th overall after throwing 19.74m on his third attempt.

Enekwechi fouled in his first attempt, and on his second, he threw 18.87m.

Ranked among the top 12 in the event before the Games, Enekwechi made history on Tuesday when he became the first Nigerian to qualify for the final of the shot put event.

Interestingly, 24 hours before the game, Enekwechi was seen in a video washing the jersey for his shot put final.

The video, which went viral, got many Nigerians angry.

“When you made the Olympic Finals, but you only have one jersey,” he wrote, revealing that he was given one jersey for the competition.

Ryan Crouser of the United States poses with his national flag after winning gold and a new Olympic Record

World record-holder Ryan Crouser bettered his own Olympic record as he retained the men’s shot put title on Thursday.

The U.S. athlete landed 23.30m with his last throw, as compatriot Joe Kovacs claimed silver and New Zealand’s Tomas Walsh bronze.

Joe Kovacs of the United States celebrates with his national flag after winning silver

The top three of Crouser, Kovacs and Walsh, represents a repeat of the Rio 2016 podium – the first time in Olympic history that this has happened.

After his gold medal-winning performance, Crouser opened up on the secret to his success comes down to preparation.

“By the time you get here, the work is already done,” he said.

Tomas Walsh of New Zealand celebrates with his national flag after winning bronze

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“I’m training hard because I know Joe (Kovacs) is training hard – we left some great throwers at home. Everyone knows how dedicated everyone is – it definitely leads to some far throws.”

And, as any shot put Olympic champion knows, one big throw is the difference between disappointment and glory.

“The key was getting a big one (throw) early. I managed to do that. I had solidified the win by the end so I got a little more aggressive and chased that bigger throw and finally connected with it.”