Nigerian hammer thrower Kosi Umerah, ranked fourth on Nigeria’s all-time women’s hammer throw list with a mark of 65.71m, has announced her support for the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet, scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos State, Nigeria.
Umerah, who is a Masters Student-Athlete at Texas State University, is supporting the women’s hammer throw event with a ₦500,000 prize pool for the top four finishers. The prize money will be distributed as follows:
• 1st place: ₦200,000
• 2nd place: ₦150,000
• 3rd place: ₦100,000
• 4th place: ₦50,000
Beyond the financial contribution, she has announced a one-on-one technical video analysis initiative for every woman entered in the event.
The initiative will provide athletes with an opportunity to receive personalised feedback through Instagram direct messages, including technical observations, training drills, and coaching cues that could help them develop greater consistency and stability in their throwing technique. Umerah plans to begin with monthly sessions, particularly for athletes who would benefit from additional technical guidance.
Speaking about her decision to support the meet, Umerah emphasised the need to give women’s hammer throw greater recognition and investment within athletics.
“I’m supporting this meet because I truly believe, in my heart and soul, that women’s hammer throw does not get the love it deserves, especially considering how much time and dedication we put into mastering this craft,” she said.
Women’s hammer throw remains outside the programme of prominent competitions, including the Diamond League and the recent World Athletics Ultimate Championship. For athletes in the discipline, opportunities to compete, gain exposure, attract sponsorship, and develop their careers remain important to the long-term growth of the event.
Initiatives such as the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet provide a valuable platform for Nigerian throwers to compete for prize money, showcase their abilities, and receive recognition for their work. Umerah’s contribution goes a step further by combining financial incentives with technical support designed to benefit athletes beyond competition day.
Her long-term ambition is to help establish a throws camp in Nigeria, either by hosting one or supporting its organisation through sponsorship.
“My long-term goal with this initiative is to host or sponsor a throws camp in Nigeria. I believe that, with your hard work and support, we can make this happen. Throws need more love,” she added.
Umerah also called on Nigerian athletes living and competing abroad to invest in the development of athletics at home, stressing the importance of sustaining the structures that give athletes opportunities to represent the country.
“I’m calling on all diaspora and foreign-based athletes to invest in the country that is central to our identity. A lot of futures have been shaped by wearing the green and white, but beyond that, we also need to sustain the system that gives us the platform to compete.”
Her message reflects a broader call for athletes who have benefited from representing Nigeria to contribute to the next generation, whether through financial support, technical guidance, mentorship, or initiatives that create more opportunities for local athletes.
As the Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet approaches, Umerah has encouraged the women competing in the hammer throw to embrace the opportunity, enjoy the competition, and give their best.
“To the ladies competing, go throw far, have fun, bring your best and, more importantly, go collect some money!”
The Athletic Heat 10th Anniversary Meet will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos. The event marks a decade of impact and continues to provide a platform for athletes across Nigeria to compete, develop, and pursue their ambitions in athletics.
Through her contribution, Umerah is championing more than a competition. She is advocating for greater visibility for women’s hammer throw, stronger technical support for Nigerian athletes, and a future in which the throws disciplines receive the investment and recognition they deserve
