Chioma Onyekwere, who missed the recent World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA last month, is overjoyed after winning the women’s discus gold on her Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham, according to ANAEDOONLINE.NG Sports Extra.
With a season-best throw of 61.70 meters late on Tuesday, the 28-year-old African champion defeated England’s Jade Lally to win gold, while fellow Nigerian Obiageri Amaechi had to settle for third place.
Onyekwere’s feat saw her become the second African woman to win the Commonwealth discus gold, after South Africa’s Elizna Naude in Melbourne in 2006.
“It’s amazing to come out for our first Commonwealth and both get on the podium and represent Nigeria well, “Onyekwere told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s a great accomplishment. It is absolutely Africans’ time to shine – we deserve a spot and a seat on the table.
“I’m looking forward to having more Africans representing in the field events, especially in the throws. We are strong, powerful people.
“I’m expecting more for the future. We have World Athletics Championships next year, we have All-African Games. So I think Africa is going to do a really big step for the next couple of Worlds coming up.”
Onyekwere The first Nigerian Woman To Win Gold In Discus At Commonwealth Games
Onyekwere, who works full-time as an engineer, failed to qualify for the final at the recent World Championships in Eugene and was making her Commonwealth Games debut.
She improved on the mark of 58.19m she threw to become African champion for the second time in Mauritius in June.
“At the beginning of the year, I was dealing with an injury that I was struggling with,” she said.
“It was a hard circle to throw in at the Worlds, but I’m still grateful that I had the opportunity to showcase what I can do. Because I’ve known I’ve been able to throw far this whole time. I’m excited by what’s to come.”
“It’s amazing to come out for our first Commonwealth and both get on the podium and represent Nigeria well. It’s a great accomplishment.”
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