Umerah targets women’s hammer throw with N500k boost

Nigerian international hammer thrower Kosi Umerah has pledged $500,000 in prize money and technical support for throwers ahead of the Athletic Heat’s 10th anniversary match.

The Texas State University master’s student-athlete champions the women’s hammer throw competition at the November 7 meet scheduled at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Lagos.

The prize money will be shared among the top four athletes, with the winner taking N200,000, second place N150,000, while third and fourth place will earn N100,000 and N50,000 respectively.

In addition to the financial reward, Umerah, whose personal best of 65.71m places her fourth on Nigeria’s all-time list, will offer individual video analysis to each registered female athlete, providing feedback on mechanics, drills and coaching tips via Instagram.

The initiative addresses the discipline’s struggle for visibility and investment, with the lack of hammer blows from major platforms such as the Diamond League.

Umerah, who also plans to help establish a throwing field in Nigeria, called on diaspora athletes to invest in the country’s sports system.

“The women’s hammer throw doesn’t get the love it deserves. The throws need more love,” she said, urging competitors to “go the distance, have fun, give it your best shot and raise some money!”