Annette Nneka Echikunwoke switched countries to USA, gets silver in hammer throw
Annette Nneka Echikunwoke was set to participate in the women’s hammer throw at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics for Nigeria but a federation error concern drug testing left her unable to compete or even walk in the opening ceremony.
Three years later, Echikunwoke switched countries to the United States and picked up a silver medal at the Paris Olympics on Tuesday. She was the first American woman to earn a medal in the event.
“I think (this medal) could have happened three years ago, but I’m happy it’s happening now,” Echikunwoke said. “I feel like everything happens for a reason, even if it’s bad or good or ugly or whatever the case may be. This is beautiful.”
Echikunwoke’s application to change countries was approved right in time for the 2022 U.S. Nationals and she earned a spot in the World Championships that year.
“It doesn’t feel real right now,” she said. ”I can’t really put it into words.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Americans look to tear up the track at the Paris Olympics
There will be plenty of opportunities for the United States to add to its medal tally on Wednesday but the spotlight will again be on track and field.
Last night, Cole Hocker and Gabby Thomas picked up gold medals in their respective events while teammates Yared Nuguse and Brittany Brown received bronze medals. The American could have a chance to get some more medals in the 400-meter men’s final.
Quincy Hall leads the team to the line later today with Christopher Bailey and Michael Norman running in the race as well. Hall is one of the best runners in the world and has one of the fastest times of all the runners competing.
Additionally, Kenneth Rooks will compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase
Source link : http://www.bing.com/news/apiclick.aspx?ref=FexRss&aid=&tid=66b345864f8648eead10e84c5c933ea5&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Flive-news%2Folympics-2024-paris-august-7&c=12456942687441054917&mkt=en-us
Author :
Publish date : 2024-08-06 22:34:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
