Nigeria’s sprinter, Damola Osayomi, has said she will be back on the tracks soon after staying away due to birth of her son. The United States-based Nigerian sprinter, was spotted in Warri during the All Nigerian Trials where she revealed her plans for the coming sea-son to Saturday Telegraph.
“Actually I was supposed to compete this year, but I had to call it off because I don’t just want to return just for its sake,” Osayomi said. “I will surely resume next season and I can tell you, I will be returning with a bang because I never stopped my training.
“You have to put all your efforts in coming back which is what I have been doing. I have intensified my training since I gave birth to my baby; I have to come back strong.” When asked about the performance of current athletes compared to the past when the rivalry between her and Blessing Okagbare was very strong, she said the athletes should not be blamed.
According to her so many factors may have contributed to their inability to perform at the level expected of them. She however said Nigerians should not give up on the athletes going for the World Championships in Beijing, China. The former African Champion who also won medals at several international competitions including the Olympic Games for Nigeria said: “Although I am not satisfied with the performance of Nigerian athletes in recent years, I don’t want to blame the athletes entirely. “These athletes are lacking one thing or the other which may not be known to the public.
“I just want them to reveal their problems to the federation and see how they can help them achieve their goals. Athletics now is all about money; they need money to support their training. Sometimes it is not only about money, but encouragement from people around them.”
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