Chinecherem Nnamdi became Nigeria’s first medallist in the field event since 2002 as he cliched Bronze in the men’s Javelin final at the ongoing World U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya.
Nnamdi, whose 78.02m throw qualified him as the top athlete with the best throw two days ago, put up a good series of throws as he laid down the gauntlet to his competitors with an opening-round throw of 70.57m.
WE HAVE WON A BRONZE! Nigeria's Chinecherem Nnamdi has clinched the Bronze medal in men's Javelin (74.48m), becoming the 1st Nigerian athlete in 19 YEARS to win a Field event medal at the #WorldAthleticsU20, since Esther Aghatise (Long Jump) in 2002. Bravo Chinecherem!
🇳🇬🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/MwgTh8Fr0J
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) August 20, 2021
He went better in the second round as he launched his spear to a distance of 72.63m, before improving it to a third-round throw of 73.49m. At that point, Finland’s Janne Lasper surged to the lead with a throw of 76.46m.
Nnamdi, the 2019 African Games Bronze medallist, came up with a throw of 74.48m, a mark which will later see him stay third for the remaining attempt.
“I feel a bit disappointed because I was really going for the GOLD here, but I will still take this medal and hope to build on the progress going forward”.
Lasper held on for the win, as Ukraine’s Arthur Felfner nicked Silver with a throw of 76.32m.
