Enekwechi Breaks African Shot Put Record as Nigeria Shines at Historic Prefontaine Classic

Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi made history at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, becoming the first African ever to break the 22-metre barrier in men’s shot put.

The 32-year-old launched a massive throw of 22.10m, smashing the African record and finishing third in what has been hailed the most competitive shot put event in history.

“It’s the highest result score of my career,” said Enekwechi, whose performance earned him 1246 points. He now holds seven of Africa’s top ten all-time shot put marks.

The event, part of the ninth leg of the 2025 Diamond League, saw five athletes throw beyond 22 metres for the first time ever. American Joe Kovacs won with 22.48m, followed by Roger Steen (22.11m), Enekwechi (22.10m), Adrian Piperi (22.09m) and Rajindra Campbell (22.04m).

The 2025 Prefontaine Classic also earned the distinction of being the highest-scoring single-day athletics meet ever, racking up a total of 98,121 points.

Team Nigeria delivered strong performances across the board:

• Tobi Amusan finished second in the women’s 100m hurdles with 12.38s, behind Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent who ran 12.32s.
• Rosemary Chukwuma placed fourth in the women’s 100m Invitational, clocking 11.09s.
• Favour Ofili secured fifth place in the main women’s 100m race.
• Ezekiel Nathaniel, making his Diamond League debut, impressed with a third-place finish in the men’s 400m hurdles in 47.88s.

The day was capped by two world records. Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet shattered the women’s 5000m world record with 13:58.06, while Faith Kipyegon reclaimed her 1500m world record in 3:48.68.