It was indeed a weekend of exploits for Nigerians competing at the 2018 Wes Kittley Invitational in Texas!
Not only did Blessing Okagbare break the African Record in the women’s 200m, which is a World Lead in the event, Fabian Edoki leapt to a Personal Best (PB) of 8.10m at the same meeting to win the men’s Long Jump event on Saturday, March 24th, making him Nigeria’s best male jumper in recent years.
Edoki kicked off competition with a leap of 7.82m (3.2), then registered a second jump of 7.80m (2.4). Everything seemed to work in the South Plains sophomore’s favour as his third jump landed at 8.10m (1.6), before being fouled on his fourth attempt. He recorded a mark of 7.37m (2.1) on his fifth jump, and was fouled again on his final attempt.
The Texas Tech duo of Odaine Lewis and Justin Hall placed 2nd and 3rd respectively with 8.08m and 7.75m. Prior to this competition, Edoki’s PB in the event was 7.91m set in Levelland, Texas, in 2016.
Meanwhile Birmingham 2018 finalist Tobi Amusan put up an impressive display to win the 100m and 100m Hurdles respectively at the UTEP Springtime held on Saturday.
Amusan, who had a previous lifetime best of 11.50s, smashed her PB in the 100m race to return a time of 11.31s, finishing ahead of Stephanie Kalu (11.58s) and Shian Hyde (11.68s).
She easily won the 100m Hurdles in a Season’s Best (SB) of 12.79s, as compatriot Rebecca Oshinbanjo followed in 13.69s. Arniesha Mitchell was 3rd in 14.14s.
