Olatoye Opens 2026 With Hammer Throw Victory at Joe Walker Invitational
Nigeria’s track and field stars made a winning start to the 2026 outdoor season with standout performances across multiple U.S. invitational meets.
At the Joe Walker Invitational in Oxford, Mississippi, Commonwealth Games finalist and multiple African Games medalist Sade Olatoye dominated the women’s hammer throw.
She opened with a strong mark of 66.15m and continued to improve through the rounds, breaking the 68m barrier in the fifth attempt with 68.78m to secure victory.
The Baylor Invitational at the Clyde Hart Track & Field Stadium saw sprinter Tima Godbless clock a wind-legal 11.37s to finish third in the women’s 100m event, while Prestina Ochonogor crossed the line in 11.60s for eighth place.
In the men’s 100m, Joshua Caleb stormed to victory with a sharp 10.23s finish.
Meanwhile, at the Crimson Tide Invitational in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Precious Nzeakor impressed with a time of 11.59s in the women’s 100m, earning second place overall.
She was followed by Faith Osamuyi, who placed tenth in 11.77s. Earlier in the meet, Osamuyi had also delivered a strong performance in the 100m hurdles, finishing second with 13.28s.
