Kwara State’s Ibuunife Obajilowo made history at the ongoing 8th National Youth Games in Asaba by winning the 100m freestyle male event, securing the gold medal in a time of 1:08:06 minutes.
In an exclusive interview with Sports247, the young swimmer described the mental and physical preparation that fueled his remarkable achievement.
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“It was all about mindset,” Obajilowo began, still soaking in the victory. “I kept telling myself over and over, ‘I am a champion.’ That was what kept me going, even in the toughest moments.”
In a race filled with fierce competitors, Obajilowo admitted that the final was anything but easy. However, his confidence never wavered.
“I knew the final was going to be tough, but I told myself I couldn’t leave without giving everything. The thought of gold was on my mind the entire time,” he told Sports247.
For Obajilowo, the victory wasn’t just personal. His win carried deep significance for Kwara State, a region not widely known for producing swimmers on the national stage.
“This gold isn’t just for me. It’s for my state, for everyone back home who believed in me,” he said with pride. “I wanted to prove that we can compete with the best, and we did.”
Reflecting on his preparation, Obajilowo shared insights into the discipline and focus that powered his success.
“I trained hard, stayed disciplined, and always believed in myself. That’s what made the difference in the end.”
As the 8th National Youth Games continues to showcase young talent across the country, Obajilowo’s triumph stands out as a testament to hard work and self-belief.
When asked what’s next, the Kwara native revealed to Sports247 that he’s just getting started. “This is just the beginning. There’s more to come,” he said, his eyes set on future achievements.
Ibuunife Obajilowo’s gold-medal victory is sure to inspire not just swimmers, but athletes across Nigeria, reminding everyone that greatness starts with belief and perseverance.
