In a remarkable debut season, Nigerian sprinter Olayinka Olajide has exceeded all her expectations, setting her sights firmly on the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 21-year-old’s meteoric rise in athletics has been nothing short of inspirational, as she has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the track.
Olajide first made headlines during the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) trials for the 2023 African Games held in Asaba, Delta State, in February.
She clinched the women’s 100m title with a personal best time of 11.19 seconds, announcing her arrival on the national stage.
Reflecting on her journey, Olajide shared her excitement and gratitude. “Coming into my debut season, I wrote my goals down before it started, and I feel blessed to say that I’ve surpassed them,” she told PUNCH Sports Extra.
“My confidence was 100 per cent. I always believed that athletics is a game you win or lose, and I was always ready for whatever results I got in any competition.”
Since her breakout performance in Asaba, Olajide has consistently impressed, securing medals at every competition she has participated in over the past three months.
Her stellar performances earned her a spot on the AFN’s 35-athlete roster for the upcoming Olympic Games.
At the African Games in Ghana, Olajide showcased her versatility and determination by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 100m, a silver medal in the 200m, and a gold medal in the women’s 4x100m relay.
Running the second leg in the relay, she teamed up with Justina Eyakpobeyan, Moforehan Abinusawa, and Tobi Amusan to secure the top spot on the podium.
Her success continued on the global stage during the World Relays in the Bahamas, where the Nigerian women’s 4x100m team secured their qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Olajide’s impressive relay performances culminated in another gold medal at the African Championships in Cameroon last month. Olajide credits her achievements to the unwavering support and expertise of her coach.
“I trust my coach so much; I never doubted his efforts before the beginning of the season. So, I’m not surprised with the results,” she said. As Team Nigeria prepares for their training camp in Germany, Olajide remains optimistic about her prospects for the Olympics.
“For the Olympics, I will still trust the process and let God continue writing the story,” she added, emphasizing her faith and belief in the journey ahead.
Olajide’s accomplishments in her debut season have not only elevated her status in Nigerian athletics but also inspired many aspiring athletes.
Her dedication, hard work, and positive attitude serve as a testament to what can be achieved with the right mindset and support system.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the nation watches with bated breath, eager to see what this young sprinter will achieve on the grandest stage of all.
Olajide’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams, when coupled with relentless effort and faith, can indeed become reality.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
