June 18, (THEWILL)- There were no upsets for Nigeria’s undisputed Queen of the track on Thursday as the sensational Blessing Okagbare demonstrated the pedigree that has made hers a recognisable name in athletics on the continent and beyond.
In her event at the 2021 National Olympic Games Trials at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, Okagbare showed the rest of the line-up a clean pair of heels, dusting them off to finish in 10.63 and retain her national title.
It was the eighth time the 32-year old Olympics, World and Commonwealth Games medallist was participating in the national meet and the eighth win in that period as well.
This victory allowed the 2014 Commonwealth Games double sprint gold medal winner to become the second most decorated sprinter, overtaking former Nigerian Olympic athlete Endurance Ojokolo and leaving her only behind the 11 titles won by one of the Amazons of Nigerian track and field, Mary Onyali.
In her estimation of her preparation and performance, Okagbare, whose 10.63 seconds finish is the fastest time ever in the national championship, said she felt ready for the challenge of the Olympics now more than ever before: “Since the start of this season, I see myself as very ready.”
The athlete who won her first Olympic bronze medal at the Beijing Games in 2008, in the Long Jump event, a medal that was elevated to silver following the disqualification of the Russian athlete who won the silver based on dope infraction, added: “I feel healthy, stronger and like the real Blessing Okagbare again. I am really happy that this time came down today. It will boost my confidence, my faith and trust in God. I just hope this same thing happens at the Olympics.”
In the 100m dash on Friday, behind Okagbare, Rosemary Chukwuma, another US-based athlete, finished in 11.07 while National Sports Festival winner, Grace Nwokocha finished third in 11.11 seconds to complete the podium finishes for the women’s sprint.
On the male side, Enoch Adegoke recorded a new Personal best of 10.00s (+1.2) to win the 100m sprint, as the defending champion from 2019, Usheoritse Itsekiri came through for 2nd, while Godson Brume finished 3rd and Ogunlewe placed 4th.
The result turned out as expected with Adegoke the favourite to usurp Itsekiri’s title defense heading into the Olympic Games in Japan. The 2019 African Junior Champion was in ecstatic mood when the clock stopped at exactly 10.05s in the semis, but his joy was cut short when it was rounded up to 10.06s. He however turned up the extra burners to finish the final in 10.00s.
In other events, Fatoyinbo Gbenga won the 20km Race Walk for men while the women’s event went to Fadekemi Olude.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
