By Modupe Oremule
Samuel Babatoba, the National Coordinator of Race-Walk on Friday expressed the strong opinion that Fadekemi Olude, a female race-walker, was ready to represent the country on the international circuit.
Babatoba, a former race-walker himself, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that he was optimistic that Olude, who is representing the country at the Commonwealth Games, would clinch a medal.
“I believe that she is ripe enough to represent the country, she has proved herself again and again. She also set a new Nigerian record at the Commonwealth Games trials held in Abuja.
“I believe that she is going to win a medal, if she doesn’t win the first three positions, she will be close to a medal prospect,” he said.
Olude broke the national record in the women’s 20km walk with a time of 1:42:52secs, erasing the previous record of 1:42:56secs of Queen Henshaw, set in 2015.
The competition is scheduled for April 4 to April 15 at the Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
Not less than 70 nations would compete in 18 sports events at the Games.
He also commended the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for giving her the opportunity, saying that competing with experienced athletes at the world level would boost her confidence.
“I want to use this medium to thank AFN for showcasing race-walk at the international level.
“I believe that when she competes at that level, she would be more exposed, gain more experience and also boost her confidence level.
“It would also boost the morale of other race-walkers and would-be race-walkers to put in more effort,” he said.
NAN reports that Olude would be competing on April 8, when the athletics events are scheduled to begin.
Race-walking events did not feature at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 due to a disagreement by walking athletes. (NAN)