Echikunwoke Fails To Make Her Mark In Hammer Throw

Annette Echikunwoke failed to make the most of her debut in the World Championships after finishing last (12th) in the women’s Hammer throw decided Sunday in Eugene, Oregon.

The 25 year old who switched allegiance from Nigeria to USA in time to make the American team to the championships after setting a new Nigeria and African record in the event last year failed to hit the 70m mark with her first round effort of 68.12m the best she could offer on the day.

Echikunwoke had qualified for the final with the 72.60m she threw in the second round of the qualifiers. A repeat of that could have pushed her to fifth in the final standing standing.

That could also have fetched her $11,000 in prize money for her effort.

Echikunwoke was among the 10 Nigerian athletes declared ineligible to compete last year at the Tokyo after Olympics for failing to complete the mandatory three out-of-competition test.

The disappointment may have led her into changing her allegiance back to her country of birth less than two years after switching to Nigeria.

Nigeria’s representative in the event, Oyesade Olatoye crashed out at the qualifying stage with her 64.82m throw.