Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye showcased her talent on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics but fell short of advancing in the Women’s Sprint Qualifying event.
Ukpeseraye finished in 28th place with a time of 11.652 seconds, averaging a speed of 61.792 km/h.
Read Also: Paris 2024: Sports Minister Vows Major Overhaul Of Federations After Olympic Failure
In a highly competitive field, the top 24 cyclists advanced to the next round, with German rider Lea Sophie Friedrich leading the pack, setting a new world record with an astonishing time of 10.029 seconds.
The narrow margin of advancement highlighted the intense level of competition, with many riders clocking close times.
Despite her finish, Ukpeseraye’s participation is a significant achievement for Nigeria, marking the country’s presence in a sport traditionally dominated by countries with a more established cycling infrastructure.
Her performance, though not enough to progress to the next stage, demonstrates the growing talent and potential in Nigerian cycling.
This event forms part of Ukpeseraye’s continued journey in the sport, with each race providing valuable experience at the highest level of competition.
Her efforts are paving the way for future athletes from Nigeria and other African nations in the sport of track cycling.
While her Olympic campaign ends here, Ese Ukpeseraye’s determination and performance in Paris will serve as inspiration for aspiring cyclists in Nigeria and beyond, proving that with dedication and hard work, athletes from any nation can compete on the world stage.
