A double gold medallist at the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, Atinuke Alfred Olajide has predicted that Nigeria will soon win a medal in swimming at the Olympic Games.
Atinuke gave the prophecy soon after she won gold in both 50m and 100m female breaststroke events at the ongoing Asaba 2024 NYG.
While disclosing that she aims to keep on improving as the years go by, Atinuke added that her medals in Asaba are testimonies of what hard work and favour from God can help an athlete achieve.
“These gold medals came because I have been working hard,” she disclosed in an exciting interview with sports247.ng seconds after her medal presentation.
“I have been working hard in my training, and God has blessed me with the ability to succeed in the competition.
“I’ve enjoyed the environment and the people. Yes, I wanted to win gold, but I was also scared. So, I have to thank God that I succeeded.”
She then gave an insight into her next course of action, declaring emphatically that she must continue working hard to get even better.
“I will continue training, continue swimming, and see where God is going to take me. My biggest dream is to represent my country in an international competition,” Atinuke stated.
The smooth-talking and eloquent swimmer also spoke about the prospects of a Nigerian eventually breaking a jinx that has prevented the country from winning any medal so far in swimming events at the Olympic Games.
Atinuke, however, reasoned that it would take extra effort from everyone to achieve that dream, even as she spoke about her own progression and suggested how the country can move towards achieving the prophetic Olympic medal.
“I think Nigeria will win an Olympic medal in swimming very soon. It only needs focus and total training. You need to do it every day, not give up.
“My personal best time in the hundred is 126, and in the 50 it is 38. In the hundred, I will try to go to 124, 125 … and in the 50, I aim to make 36.
“Generally, we need more competitions, more swimming events and training opportunities.
“They should help to train us from young ages and over a long period, not just when it’s time for competitions,” Atinuke posited.
