Pickerington beams as one of its own wins silver

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) – The first American medal in the women's hammer throw belongs to Annette Echikunwoke, a 2014 graduate of Pickerington High School North. 

“It was an amazing opportunity to watch her compete at the world's greatest track meet," said Joe Whitcraft, former shot put and discus coach at Pickerington North. 

Whitcraft was Echikunwoke's coach in high school. He said she's one of the hardest-working people he has ever met.

He thought about the competition throughout the day leading up to Tuesday afternoon. He said there were nerves, chaos, and then pure excitement when the silver was secured.

“The feeling is amazing, too, just to know you played a small role in their journey," Whitcraft said. “To be able to say the silver medalist is from our school, it's an unreal feeling.”

WATCH: Canada, U.S. top podium in women’s hammer

David Spring, current head boys and girls track coach at Pickerington North, watched with his family Tuesday afternoon. He said his phone went crazy with messages from others from school.

“For her to throw as well as she did and finish where she did, it's just unbelievable," he said. "We’re very proud of her and all she’s gone through and couldn't be happier."

Some of the celebratory messages he got came from Whitcraft.

“To see our student athletes succeed in their goals, reach the highest levels, and have the opportunity to say they’re one of the best in the world, there’s no better feeling," Whitcraft said.

Echikunwoke was not the only Pickerington graduate to compete for a gold medal Tuesday. McKenzie Long, a Pickerington Central graduate, finished 7th in the 200 meter final.