Onyekwere vows to return stronger

Nigerian women’s discus thrower Chioma Onyekwere has promised to return better and stronger following a disappointing Olympics debut in Paris, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Onyekwere threw 60.78m in her opening effort in the qualifying phase on Friday, which couldn’t earn her a place in the final of the women’s discus throw.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, she reflected on her campaign, thanked fans and family for their support, and relished the experience, asserting that the results don’t show her capabilities.

“It feels great to compete and see my family and friends support me in the stands as well as back home on the television. I am proud of how I competed. I gave it my all and fought till the very end. I feel like the results do not show my capabilities or tell my full story.

“I have made improvements along the way in every challenge I have faced. I’m grateful for my support system. I’ll be back stronger and better next season,” wrote the mechanical engineer, who evidently thoroughly enjoyed her Olympic experience in Paris.

Onyekwere and the other two Nigerian entrants for the event, Obiageri Amaechi and Ashley Anumba, were eliminated in the qualification on Friday.

African Champion Anumba competed in Group A, where she started her campaign with a 57.23m throw, missed her second attempt, and eventually closed her competition with a mark of 58.83m in her last attempt to place 14th.

In Group B, Onyekwere and African Games Champion Amaechi were in action. The former got her best throw of 60.78m in her opening effort, while the latter struggled to register a mark until her very last throw, where she recorded a 45.45m. The duo placed 15th and 16th.

In the overall standings, Onyekwere, Anumba, and Amaechi placed 21st, 29th, and 32nd, respectively.