Nigeria is presently basking in the euphoria and high spirits that her Sports Girls have brought her by virtue of their exploits in World Sporting Events which took place in different parts of the world. This prestige that these girls have brought to the country has made so many Nigerians who had given up on the country begin to a rethink.
These two young ladies are Oluwatobiloba Ayomide Amusan, Tobi Amusan for short and Ese Brume. These two great Athletics have really done well for their fatherland by lifting the banner of hope to high heavens.
While Tobi Amusan shattered the World Record in the 100m Hurdles by clocking 12.12 Seconds, Ese Brume became the first African woman in history to jump four Legal Marks over 7.00m (11) (12).
It is heartwarming that a country that is presently suffering from so much vilification from the outside world, so much venomous, acidic and vitriolic vituperations from within and without could produce people who can achieve these great feats. It all goes to show that there is hope for the country and light at the end of the tunnel.
Who Is Tobi Amusan?
She’s a 25 years old girl born into a family of Teachers in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. Her father didn’t really like the idea of her becoming a Professional Athletes and as a matter of fact, had to burn her Sporting Kits on one occasion. But she persisted.
Apart from this World Record she has broken, she is the current African, Commonwealth and World Champion in the 100m Hurdles and a two time African Games Champion in the same event. She won the Diamond League Trophy in Zurich in 2021 in 100m Hurdles, becoming the first Nigerian to do so, thereby breaking the then African Record held by Glory Alozie (who is presently a Spanish Citizen.)Tobi had her Secondary School education at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School Ijebu Ode and the University of Texas El Paso. She is the last of three children.
The second Golden Girl is Ese Brume. She is the current Commonwealth Champion and a three-time African Senior Champion in the Long Jump and holds a Personal Best of 7.17m ( 23ft 1\4in).
She currently holds the Commonwealth Games Record, African Junior Record, and African Record in the event. She is a two time Medalist at the World Athletics Championship, an Olympic Bronze Medalist and a five time African Junior Champion in Athletics. She is also the only Athletic to win three consecutive Long Jump Titles at the African Championship in Athletics as well as the first African to win two Long Jump Medals at the World Athletic Championship among others. What a feat!!!
These young ladies have brought so much hope to Nigeria and Nigerians. It is left for our political and economic Policy Makers and Analysts to leverage on this golden opportunity that has been offered by the golden girls to make the best of this grisly situation in the country.
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