Maddi Wesche, a 25-year-old athlete from Auckland, won a silver medal in shot put at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Wesche and German competitor Yemisi Ogunleye fiercely competed for the lead, with each holding first place twice during the event. In the end, it was Ogunleye who took the gold medal.
Wesche initially led with a throw of 19.58 meters in the second round, which held until Ogunleye’s fifth throw of 19.73 meters. Wesche then responded with her personal best throw of 19.68 meters, which seemed like a potential gold medal throw. However, Ogunleye’s final throw of exactly 20 meters secured her victory.
Wesche’s performance earned her the silver medal, a remarkable achievement, while the bronze went to China’s Jiayuan Song with a throw of 19.32 meters. Wesche’s silver medal marks significant progress from her sixth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, showcasing her growth as a competitor.
After the competition, Wesche was very positive. She admitted feeling “a little bit of butterflies” before her final throw but enjoyed the event and was proud to compete alongside top athletes. “Getting the silver medal is huge, and I’m super happy,” she said.
When asked about her support for other competitors, Wesche mentioned that she cheers for everyone. “I support them all to do their best. If they do their best and I can still win, what does that say?” she remarked. Wesche also noted she was not bothered by the wet conditions, stating, “I’m from Auckland. I’m used to throwing with a wet circle.”
