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Nigeria-born Annette Echikunwoke has reflected on her season, expressing a deep connection to her faith after winning Olympic silver.
Olympics hammer silver medalist Annette Echikunwoke has had a season of emotional highs and challenging lows.
Just weeks after securing a silver medal at the Paris Olympics with a throw of 75.48 meters, the Nigeria-born athlete sat down to reflect on a year filled with both significant achievements and some unexpected setbacks.
For Echikunwoke, the transition from competing for Nigeria to representing the United States was more than just a change of national colors; it was a deeply personal journey.
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Her decision came after frustrations with Nigerian athletics officials who failed to enter her name for the Tokyo Olympics despite her qualifying.
This oversight led her to represent the United States, a decision that brought her closer to Olympic glory but also heightened expectations.
"The season had a strong start but quickly tapered off in a way that was unexpected and disappointing. It became easy to doubt that I should even be doing this, but I had to constantly remember this was beyond me, this isn’t for me, but for Him," Echikunwoke shared in her reflections on Instagram.
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Despite the initial setbacks, her season saw a remarkable turnaround.
"Tbh, I even bargained with the Lord, like 'if nothing shakes this season, I’ll let this be my last one and go on with my life'. It’s funny cuz I think sometimes, if not most times, God waits until you’re at the end of yourself to start showing himself in a big way," she added, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster that defined much of her early season.
The second half of the season was a testimony to her resilience and faith. After a series of less than ideal performances, Echikunwoke clinched victories at the Trials and then a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first woman to win an Olympic silver in the hammer throw for the USA.
"Latter half of the season, again, took an unexpected turn, but for better (obviously), winning Trials and Silver in the hammer at the Olympics, and the first woman to EVER do it for the US. I can’t help but thank God constantly for His unfailing love and faithfulness in my life. He is always showing me his word is true and never falters," she noted.
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Reflecting on her career and the tumultuous season, Annette Echikunwoke looks back with a sense of profound gratitude and optimism.
"Reflecting on the season, my heart is singing. My God is good y’all - through the ups and downs, through it all, He is good.
Psalm 40:3 ‘He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."
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