Ekene Chukwu broke Republic’s 20-year-old discus record at the Jason Pyrah Invitational in Willard last week. The sophomore’s throw of 49.96 meters (163’11”) surpassed Ryan Anstaett’s previous mark of 153’6″ set in 2005.
Chukwu claimed first place in the event, barely edging Joplin’s Neil Barstow, who threw 49.86 meters.
His record-setting performance continues the trend of big improvement throughout the season. Chukwu began the year throwing 38.6 meters at the Republic Classic in late March, finishing sixth. He’s improved at each subsequent meet, adding over 11 meters to his throws in just four weeks.
Before breaking the record, Chukwu had won the SBU High School Invite with a 46.48-meter throw and placed second at the Christian County Relays with a 45.42-meter effort.
For his school record-breaking performance, Chukwu earns this week’s Performance of the Week.
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