Day 1 of Athletics at the 2018 National Youth Games (NYG) in Ilorin, Kwara State, proved to be a historic one for some of the contingents participating at the games, even as Lagos and Delta states produced the winners of the Boys’ and Girls’ 100m respectively.
Having missed the past three editions of the NYG which is now in its fourth year, Team Lagos announced its presence with a bang as Olaolu Olatunde raced to the Boys’ 100m title to gift the state its first ever GOLD in Track and Field at the NYG.
Olatunde had already thrown down the gauntlet after winning his semifinal race in 11.25s, before storming to victory in the final in a time of 11.14s to finish ahead of Delta State’s Goodness Ireda (11.73s), and Kwara’s Precious Aina.
It was the second medal of the day for Ireda who had already won GOLD in the Boys’ High Jump event with a height of 1.60m, while Kaduna’s Salisu Habib also made history for his state by winning Silver (1.60m), becoming the first ever NYG medallist (across all sports) for Kaduna State. Precious Opinion of Bayelsa was 3rd with a clearance of 1.55m.
Praise Oforku was the girl to beat in the 100m as she maintained an unbeaten run through the rounds before winning the final in a time of 12.08s, inspiring a 1-2 for Delta State as Success Umukoro claimed Silver with 12.36s. Alimot Alowonle was 3rd in 12.66s, winning Lagos State’s first ever medal in Athletics in NYG history.
John-Clinton Adile of Anambra State won the Boys’ Shot put event with a throw of 12.40m, with Akwa Ibom’s Emediong Okokon (10.95m) and Farouq Arowolo of Kwara (9.94m) settling for Silver and Bronze respectively.
Kano State’s Faustina Okonkwo won the Girls’ Shot put with 9.11m. Chikezie Ugonna of Abia followed with 8.90m, while Victory Richard took Bronze for Bayelsa with a mark of 8.63m.
Habib clocked the overall fastest time in Boys’ 400m heats (53.34s), while Imeobong Nse Uko of Akwa Ibom did same in the Girls’ heats where she posted a time of 57.24s to top the list of qualifiers.
Olaoluwa has always had it in him. My prayer is for him to grow in this gift and become a gold medallist for Nigeria soon at the Olympics in Jesus Name Amen!
Hi Grace, apologies for the delayed reply. Amen to that!