Harvard's Kenneth Ikeji Claims Men's Hammer Throw Title at NCAA Championships

AUSTIN, Texas — In an exhilarating showdown at Mike A. Myers Stadium on Wednesday, Kenneth Ikeji of Harvard emerged victorious in the men’s hammer throw, capturing the first individual title at the 2023 NCAA Track and Field DI Outdoor Championships. Ikeji sealed his triumph with a monumental final-round throw of 77.92m (255-8).

Throughout the competition, Ikeji faced stiff competition from top seed Kostas Zaltos, who had taken the lead in the second round with a throw of 75.57m. However, Ikeji, a sophomore athlete, saved his best for last. – Read more: Day 1 Order of Events: 2023 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

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Unleashing a personal best with his final attempt, he catapulted himself to the top of the leaderboard. Remarkably, the top seven throwers all surpassed the 71-meter mark, highlighting the incredible talent on display.

Ikeji’s path to victory included a series of impressive performances. After trailing Zaltos following the second round, the Havard star responded with a four-round effort of 75.97m, regaining the lead. Zaltos countered with a personal best of 76.33m in the fifth round, intensifying the competition.

Once again, Ikeji remained undeterred and delivered a sensational mark of 77.92m in the final round, securing both the win and a new facility record at A Mike Meyers Stadium and also set a new program and Ivy League record.

This exceptional performance also marked a personal best for Ikeji, highlighting his remarkable progress in one of the deepest men’s hammer throw competition in NCAA DI history.

Arizona’s Jordan Geist claimed the bronze medal with a lifetime throw of 75.97m, achieved in the first round, while Decio Andrade of Miami (Fla.) finished fourth with a mark of 73.73m.