Following his Paris Olympic exploits and outstanding accomplishments through the years, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has been inducted into Purdue University's Hall of Fame.
Nigerian Record holder in the men's Shot Put Chukwuebuka Enekwechi added another feather to his glorious career after being inducted into US college - Purdue University's Hall of Fame following his Paris Olympic exploits.
The 31-year-old was a standout student-athlete for Purdue University where he graduated in 2016, and has gone on to have an iconic international career for Nigeria, by becoming a five-time continental champion and 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medallist.
Enekwechi took to his Instagram page to announce the gratifying news by sharing a post with the caption:
"This past weekend, I had the honor of being inducted into the Leroy Keyes Hall of Fame for my alma mater @PurdueSports. It’s one of the highlights of my career thus far.
21:43 - 24.10.2024
Making an impact and leaving a legacy: Paris Olympian Chidi Okezie opens up on representing Nigeria over Jamaica and USA
The inspiring journey of talented 400m runner Chidi Okezie whose choice of representing Nigeria over USA and Jamaica paid off by becoming an Olympian.
"You’re only as good as people say you are so when a Committee of very influential people decided that I was worthy to be inducted; especially as part of such a high-powered class, I couldn’t help but be humbled. I’d like to thank my family, @chelsiemeeks and her family, all of my best buddies, training partners and teammates, and my coaches, past and current.
"I would also like to thank my fans and supporters from Indiana, New York, and all over the world🌍 for pushing me to be the best possible student-athlete and professional athlete. It truly takes a village. Ever grateful #boilerup‼️," he wrote.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi's record-breaking 2024 season
This season where most Nigerian athletes failed to deliver in all ramifications, Enekwechi stood tall among his peers and unarguably the Athlete of the Year following his brilliant position finish at the Paris Olympic Games and Brussels Diamond League.
The Nigerian record holder became the first thrower in Nigerian history to qualify for a Diamond League final, which he gave a good account of himself with an impressive distance of 21.29m to finish fifth in the men's Shot Put final, thus making it 21 times he went over the 21.00m mark this year.
Enekwechi's Brussels performance was a fantastic end to his exceptional long season, which saw him qualify for all major finals and seal his spot as the undisputed best African Shot Put thrower after successfully defending his African Games and African Championships titles.
19:27 - 04.10.2024
2024 Season Review: Favour Ofili, Enekwechi, and Chukwuma close off as Nigeria's highest-ranked athletes on the world's Toplist
The trio of Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and Rosemary Chukwuma are Nigeria's highest-ranked athletes on the 2024 world's Toplist.
Undeniably the best year of his career, here's Enekwechi's achievements in 2024.
- African Indoor Record (21.63m)
- World Indoor Championships finalist (sixth position)
- African Games champion
- Nigerian Record (21.91m)
- African Champion
- Paris Olympic Games finalist (sixth)
- Diamond League finalist (fifth)