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By Rose Moses
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili made history on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, by competing in the women's 200 meters final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 21-year-old, though losing out on the medals, became the first Nigerian woman to reached this final in 28 years, following Mary Onyali's achievement in Atlanta.
Although she had the third-best overall time in the heats, she was unable to secure a podium finish in the explosive final.
The gold medal was won by American sprinter Gabby Thomas, who cemented her dominance in the 200 meter event. Newly crowned fastest woman on earth, Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, took silver, while another American, Britany Brown, claimed bronze.
Despite placing sixth in the final, Ofili clocked a season-best 22.05 seconds in the semi-finals, finishing second in her heat.
Her overall performance at the championship was a remarkable display of determination and commitment.
Even as she did not win a medal, her historic achievement should inspire the nation and paved the way for future generations of Nigerian sprinters.
That, and the overall performance of Nigerian athletes at such championships should tell officials and leaders that shoddy
preparations, unseriousness and disregard for the needs of athletes hardly produce good results.
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