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Rejected by Nigeria in 2021, Annette Echikunwoke switched to the U.S. winning Olympic silver and reflecting on UC roots.
Nigeria-born Annette Echikunwoke has come a long way from her days at the University of Cincinnati (UC) to becoming one of the world’s top athletes.
The Olympic silver medalist in hammer throw, who recently made history as the first American woman to earn a Summer Games medal in the event, has taken time to reflect on the role that UC played in shaping her athletic journey.
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Echikunwoke, one of UC’s most successful female athletes, was inducted into the university's Hall of Fame, an honor she views as both a celebration of her achievements and a reminder of where it all began.
"The season I’ve had is nothing short of extraordinary, and I got the chance to celebrate in the place where it really all began," she wrote on Instagram.
"Induction into the Hall of Fame is such a huge honor but also served as a moment to reflect on the amazing growth I had as an athlete and person when I was at UC."
Her journey from a hopeful high school student to an international athlete was one of determination, belief, and resilience.
"I remember my high school self when choosing to come to UC — excited, hopeful, believing I could do good, but curious on what I could actually achieve," Echikunwoke recalled.
"Getting to UC, dreams were realized, and I had the privilege to work and excel with people who’ve changed my life forever, and I couldn’t see my life without."
During her time at UC, Echikunwoke reached unprecedented heights.
She won the university’s first-ever national title in track and field, claiming the 2017 NCAA Indoor Weight Throw championship.
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She also finished as the indoor runner-up in 2018, cementing her legacy as one of UC’s most decorated athletes. Her achievements during this period not only showcased her talent but also her dedication to the sport.
Echikunwoke’s success continued on the international stage, as she represented Nigeria at the 2022 World Championships, finishing 12th in the hammer throw.
However, her journey to the Olympics was met with unexpected challenges.
In 2021, just before the Tokyo Games, Nigeria was classified as a "high-risk" country by track and field’s anti-doping regulators, leading to stricter drug testing protocols.
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Echikunwoke, unfortunately, was among the Nigerian athletes who did not meet the required number of drug tests in the lead-up to the Games, resulting in her being unable to compete.
Despite this setback, Echikunwoke's story did not end there.
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The 28-year-old athlete, who was born in Ohio to Nigerian parents, decided to change her Olympic allegiance to the United States after the Tokyo disappointment.
"The story keeps going, but I’ll never forget where it started," she reflected on her journey.
Her application to represent the U.S. was approved just in time for the 2022 U.S. Nationals, where she earned a spot on the national team for the World Championships.
In a remarkable turn of events, Echikunwoke went on to win a silver medal in the hammer throw at the 2024 Summer Olympics, making history as the first American woman to medal in the event.
Canada’s Camryn Rogers claimed the gold, but Echikunwoke's silver represented a personal triumph and a redemption of sorts after the heartbreak of 2021.
Looking back, Echikunwoke acknowledges the significance of her time at the University of Cincinnati in her journey to greatness.
"UC was the place where I found my passion, honed my skills, and developed the resilience to keep going, no matter what challenges came my way."
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