World record holder for the women’s 100-meter hurdles Tobi Amusan is optimistic about winning a medal in the event in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, despite missing out on the podium in the race in the previous two editions in Rio and Tokyo, respectively, in 2016 and 2020.
The 27-year-old issued this goal statement on Wednesday after barely breaking a sweat to defeat Alaysha Johnson of the USA, who finished second in 12.61 seconds, and Janeek Brown, who finished third in 12.84 seconds, to advance to the semifinals.
After a thrilling first-round race, Amusan was in a good mood.
“The first time I came as an Olympian, I was like 18/19, the second time I think I was a little bit experienced and I didn’t get on the podium. This time I think, it’s my season,” said Amusan, who has now qualified for three consecutive semifinals at the Olympics.
Ogazi qualifies for men’s 400m final
The 400m semis were challenging for Samuel Ogazi, but he is thrilled to have made it to the final.
He shared that he has been working towards this moment, and reaching the final, being among the top 8 in the world, is a significant achievement for both him and Nigeria.
Ogazi is the first Nigerian athlete in 36 years to qualify for the 400m final at the Olympic Games.
Ukpeseraye falters in Women’s Keirin Track Cycling
Ese Ukpeseraye was not as lucky in the Women’s Keirin Track Cycling after she finished 6th in heat 1 of the event on Wednesday.
She finished with a time of 13.108, missing out on an automatic spot into the quarterfinal.
Ukpeseraye will have another chance, as she will now be competing in the Repechage round.
No Nigerian had ever qualified for the cycling event at the Olympics, not until Ukpeseraye came along.
She is the first Nigerian ever to compete in cycling at the Olympic Games.
Ogusanya disappoints in wrestling
Nigeria’s chances in the wrestling event also suffered a dent on Wednesday, with Christianah Ogunsanya losing her second-round bout in the women’s freestyle 53 kg.
Ogunsanya was trailing 3-1 in the second half against Mongolia’s Khulan Batkhuyag, who was better on the day, taking a VFA (victory by fall) over her Nigerian opponent.
Chinecherem looks to return stronger
Nnamdi Chinecherem is focussing on the positives despite the disappointment of not making it to the final of the men’s javelin throw at his debut Olympics.
“I promise the next one will not be the same, I’m definitely going to qualify for the next final, my face is going to be there,” he says.
The African Games champion plans to take a long break to rejuvenate and seek medical attention to come back stronger.
Ibadin’s 800m chances hanging
Competing in his first Olympic Games, Nigeria’s Edose Ibadin finished 6th in heat 2 of men’s 800m, clocking a time of 1:46.56, with French athlete Gabriel Tual taking the victory in 1:45.13.
Ireland’s Mark English came in 2nd with a time of 1:45.13, ahead of Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela, who was 3rd in 1:45.58.
Ibadin will return for the repechage round to fight for another chance into the semifinals.
