Nigeria sprinter Blessing Okagbare has revealed that breaking the African record in the women’s long jump is her priority before quitting the sport.
Okagbare won two gold medals for Nigeria in 2014 Commonwealth games in Glasgow Scotland after breaking the African100m recordin 2013, the record she lost to Murielle Ahoure of Ivory coast two year ago.
Okagbare however, said she has set her sight on the current Africanlong jump records of 7 . 12 m set by Nigeria legend Chioma Ajunwa .
“ I have this goal to break the African record in all three events which I did in the 100m, I ’ ve done in the 200m , and still looking forward to that 7 . 12 m in the long jump , which I think I ’ m capable of.
“I have had to slow down because of this injury I am dealing with – it affects my whole right side which is my take- off side for the jump . Next year , I am going back to it and see if I can achieve that – which will give me a lot of satisfaction.
“During the season I will do all three events – long jump , 100 m and 200m but at major championships, because I am getting older and my body is not like what it was in 2013 , I will have to focus on the event that I know is my area of strength so that I will not lose a medal like I did back then.”
The Delta state born sprinter, however advised the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to develop the young talents that were discovered at the just concluded 2018 National Sports Festival inAbuja.
She said , “There are a lot of talents coming up really fast and they need to be nurtured to help them achieve their full potential.
The country lacks the habit of nurturing talents. After events, when these talents are discovered, they are not monitored and checked up on and are allowed to waste away.
“Monitoring and giving attention coming from the federation and government – goes a long way to motivate the athletes and make them realise their potential.”
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