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Prior to the 4th of August 2012, many Nigerians were downcast as to Nigeria’s performance at the on-going 30th Olympiad in London. However after seeing Blessing Okagbare qualify for the semi-finals of the women’s 100m race, with the second fasted time of 10:93, and improving in the semis with a time of 10:92, hope was restored in the hearts of many, and Nigerians looked forward to the finals with grate enthusiasm.
Sadly, our hopes were shattered again, when blessing finished last in a race which saw Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica come in first with a time of 10:75. America’s Carmelita Jerter whom we reported she powered past about 10 days to the Olympics in the 100 meters finals at the Diamond meet in London Grand Prix,Crystal Palace, came in second with a time of 10:78. Veronica Campbell-Brown also of Jamaica came in third with a time of 10.81. Blessing came in with a time of 11.01, slower than any of her previous qualifying times. Strange isn’t it?
Naijahottestgist decided to ask questions and discovered that her poor performance in the finals, was due to cramps which she sustained after the semi-finals. She tried to forge ahead despite the set back but the cramps got the best of her as evident in her performance at the finals which was only two hours later. In her first reaction since saturday night, she said:
“I had cramps after the semi-final race. It was painful. I really worked hard and looked forward to a good outing. If it happened 24 hours before the final, I could have been fine. But it was too short a time. There must be a reason why this happened. And that’s why I must give glory to God.”
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Instead of condemning , Blessing we think should be commended for her fighting spirit and efforts generally in trying to write Nigeria’s name in the Athletics record books, of the 30th Olympic Games.
Unknown to many who now criticize Blessing, she won the bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics at the age of 20. Now 24, I have every reason to believe that she has improved and will do even better this time in the Women’s Long jump. Afterall when Michael Phelps first appeared in the Olympics at Sydney 2000, he won just two bronze medals. Today he has won….Well! You know the rest,lol!
So cheer up people! all hope is not lost, in Blessing and Team Nigeria as a whole. Nigerians are known to show solidarity against all odds, and never give up. Now is the time cheer on your own and appreciate their efforts despite the poor training and facilities our athletes have in comparison with other countries. Blessing competes in the long jump qualifications on Tuesday 7th of August 2012. Here at NHG, we say: go Teaam Nigeria, go!!!
For those who missed yesterday’s article on Blesssing, here is her brief profile:
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Name: Blessing Okagbare
Country: Nigeria
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Birth date and place
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Age
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10/09/1988 – Sapele (NGR)
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23
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Height
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Weight
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Gender
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180 cm / 5’11″
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68 kg / 150 lbs
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F
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Sport
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Representing Nigeria in:
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Nigeria
