Nigeria’s Goodness Chiemerie Nwachukwu’s flying start in the women’s discus F42-44/61-64 put her on top of the podium at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on Thursday (4 August).
In her first two throws, the 23-year-old broke her own F42 world record* twice, with a best of 36.56m to win gold. It was an outstanding performance witnessed by a capacity crowd at the Alexander Stadium.
Australia’s Sarah Edmiston picked up silver and a Games record in the F44 sport class with a throw of 34.96m. Fiji’s Naibili’s Vatunisolo claimed bronze in the F42 after her personal best throw of 23.70m.
Nwachukwu, who is also a national Para canoe athlete, said after the medal ceremony: “I couldn’t believe that I broke my world record twice. I am so happy.
“Before the event I thought if I can get a silver or bronze, I am okay with that, rather than go back empty-handed, but I didn’t believe that I could make it to the top. I felt nervous beforehand. It has been so nice to be here.”
