US-based thrower, Chioma Chukwujindu Onyekwere is excited after setting a new national record in the Women’s discus at the Nigerian Olympics Trials in Yaba College of Technology in Lagos on Sunday.
The American-born Mechanical Engineer threw 62.20m, which qualified her for the quadrennial sporting fiesta in Japan as she emerged the new national champion.
The 26-year-old who took part in her first Olympics Trials, expressed her delight in a statement on her Instagram page, explaining how she achieved the feat and promising to prove her mettle at the Games.
The statement titled: “New National Champion” read: “I competed in my first Olympic Trials to contend for a spot on the Tokyo Olympics. I have been looking forward to this for a long time. The journey to get here was not easy, but ever up and down was a learning opportunity and prepared me for the position I am in now. I am blessed to earn a spot as an Olympic Qualifier with a throw of 62.20m.
“I had a consistent series that earn me the National Title. I know I have more to give and looking forward to showing everyone what I can do in Tokyo. Honoured for another opportunity to represent Nigeria.”
Respected for her academic excellence at the University of Maryland, “CiCi” won gold for Nigeria at the 2018 African Championships and 2019 African Games, throwing 58.09m SB and 59.91m GR respectively.
Her best effort before Sunday’s feat was 61.38, recorded at 2019 World Championships, Doha, Qatar where she finished in 13th position