SAINT-DENIS, France -- This time at the Olympics, hammer thrower Annette Nneka Echikunwoke got to compete. Not only compete, but win a medal -- for the United States. Three years ago, Echikunwoke arrived at the Tokyo Games ready to represent Nigeria, but she wound up needing to leave before even getting to take a throw.
Nigeria was among a handful of countries deemed "high risk" by track's anti-doping regulators in the lead-up to those Olympics, forcing its athletes to be subjected to more drug testing. Echikunwoke was among those from Nigeria who did not meet the requirement and so was not allowed to participate. Editor's Picks Gold rush: Hocker stuns 1,500; Thomas tops 200 1h Team USA men's basketball moves on to semifinal round and more from Tuesday in Paris 16m ESPN The 28-year-old was born in Ohio and originally decided to represent Nigeria because that's where her parents are from.
But after the issues in 2021, she switched her Olympic country to the U.S., and on Tuesday night became the first American woman to earn Summer Games medal in the hammer, getting a silver.
Canada's Camryn Rogers won the gold. Echikunwoke led after the third round Tuesday with a throw of 75.48 meters (247 feet, 7 inches).
Rogers, though, threw the hammer 76.97 (252-6) on her second-to-last attempt to overtake her. The bronze went to Zhao Jie of China.
"I think [this medal] could have happened three years ago, but I'm happy it's happening now," Echikunwoke said. "I feel like everything happens .