Annette Echikunwoke, wrapped in an American flag, celebrated her silver medal in the women’s hammer throw at Paris 2024, marking a historic moment as the first American woman to medal in the event. However, for many in Nigeria, it was a missed opportunity.
Nigeria, still waiting for its first medal at these Olympics, could have seen Echikunwoke competing in their colors if not for an administrative oversight by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Born in Ohio with dual American-Nigerian citizenship, the 28-year-old initially aimed to represent Nigeria at Tokyo 2020. Despite breaking the African record in qualification, she was ruled ineligible due to the AFN’s failure to comply with out-of-competition drug testing requirements. This oversight also affected nine other Nigerian athletes.
Echikunwoke expressed her frustration and heartbreak, recalling being informed on her 25th birthday that she could not compete. The AFN admitted responsibility, citing non-compliance with World Anti-Doping Agency standards.
Reflecting on her Paris success, Echikunwoke said, “I am so glad to have experienced this and come away with a medal. Being with the US, feeling cared for as an athlete, I really performed on top of my game.”
