Annie Nabwe: A Force in the Making at Minnesota

Rockstar in the Ring

Dec. 27—JAMESTOWN — If you know anything about Annie Nabwe, you know she is never satisfied. This young competitor is a whirlwind of energy and determination, constantly pushing her limits. As a standout at the University of Minnesota, she's making waves in track and field that resonate far beyond her achievements. Last May, she pulled off a historic hammer throw sweep at the BIG 10 Championships, which solidified her status as one of the premier athletes in the nation.

The Record-Breaker

Setting a BIG 10 Championships meet record with a lifetime best throw of 69.85 meters (229 feet, 2 inches) was no small feat. But let's break this down — not only did she claim victory, but she also established a new program record for Minnesota. This kind of performance showcases Annie's raw talent and unyielding commitment to her craft.

“I had a lot of highs but also challenges both mentally and physically,” Nabwe reflects. “I didn't finish exactly where I wanted, but that helped me grow more as a person and an athlete.”

Growth through Adversity

Looking back, Nabwe describes her second season with the Gophers as a "learning experience." It's evident that each setback has only fueled her fire. At the 2025 BIG 10 Indoor Track and Field Championships, she earned her second-straight conference title in the women's weight throw, a glorious triumph that measured 24.22 meters (79 feet, 5 inches). This feat made her the fifth BIG 10 women's weight thrower to defend her title and the first since Olympic medalist Kelsey Card of Wisconsin. That's the kind of history we love to see!

Challenging the Norms

Nabwe isn't just tallied in accolades. She owns the NCAA No. 21 all-time mark in the weight throw and also holds the second-best indoor shot put mark in Minnesota history at 56 feet, 6 ½ inches. Yet despite these milestones, she acknowledges the need for constant improvement.

“What I'm growing into should scare my competition,” she adds with a competitive spark. That mantra of determination rings loud and clear as she approaches her training sessions at the university.

Driven by Passion

At the M City Classic on Dec. 5, she again proved her prowess by securing wins in both the weight throw and the shot put — instances where her marks were officially recognized as new school records. In the shot put, she launched an impressive distance of 16.40 meters (53 feet, 9 3/4 inches). Nabwe exemplifies the spirit of a true champion, remaining grounded and thankful for the support from her loved ones, teammates, and coaches.

“I'm motivated, focused, committed, and overall having fun,” she states. “I'm grateful and excited to keep growing and to see what the future holds.”

The Workouts that Shape Champions

Since the season kicked off, Nabwe and her teammates have been grinding through rigorous training schedules, weight lifting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while also incorporating practice sessions throughout the week. Her schedule is meticulously crafted around her classes, showing the dedication necessary to balance academics and athletics. Tuesday and Thursday lifting sessions last between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours, while Saturdays typically see about 90 minutes of either practice or lifting.

A Day in the Life

Nabwe describes a typical day: “I wake up at 7 a.m., then scooter over to practice at 8:30 a.m. After practice, it's time for classes. Following that, I head to weight lifting, and then I often find time for recovery with the trainers. Late evenings are reserved for dinner and catching up on schoolwork.”

Looking Ahead

As Nabwe eyes her upcoming competition at the Minnesota Open on Jan. 10, there's an unmistakable hunger for success. Her goals are not just about personal bests; they extend to being more confident, embracing mental toughness, breaking records, and winning titles. “These are all achievable because I have worked hard and I am in the position to do it,” she insists.

The Spirit of a Competitor

Training under the watchful eye of Minnesota's coaching staff, her ongoing evolution as an athlete is impressive. Nabwe is not just another competitor; she's a spirit of resilience wrapped in raw talent. With every competition, she brings forth her best, challenging norms and redefining what's possible.

Here's to Annie Nabwe — a rising star in collegiate athletics destined for greatness! We can't wait to see where her journey leads next.