4. Divine Oduduru
Divine Oduduru has become a famous name when it comes to Nigerian Athletics. Asides the fact that he’s known for his famous quote “I never hesperred it”, he also proved that the 2016 season was his best ever as he churned out one of the best performances by a Nigerian athlete at the Olympics.
Oduduru has been one of the most consistent athletes within the country and he proved this at the Nigerian Trials in Sapele where he scooped two medals, first winning a Silver medal in the 100m clocking a Personal Best (PB) of 10.25s, before going on to regain his 200m title from 2014 in 20.51s.
Building on this success ahead of the Olympics, Oduduru made sure his debut at the Games was a memorable one, especially as he competed against the big man, Usain Bolt.
Placed in Heat 9 and running from Lane 9, the African Games Silver medallist ran the race of his life to clock a PB of 20.34s, and finish 2nd behind the Jamaican. His impressive run not only got him an automatic spot in the semifinal, but also a big hug from Bolt who congratulated him on his achievement.
Even though the semis didn’t go his way as he was placed in a stacked heat that included Bolt once again, thus securing a 7th place finish with his time of 20.59s, his feat of being the only male athlete to get to that stage of the Games in Rio, ranks him as the highest Nigerian male sprinter in 2016.
Huge congratulations to all the athletes. A massive well done to Divine Oduduru and Ese Brume. May God help you both and of course the other athletes mentioned and not mentioned to soar even higher in 2017. God bless you all. Amen!