Sunmisola Balogun turns her attention to the forthcoming 2019 All Africa Games after winning the gold medal at the just concluded Senior African Wrestling Championship held in Tunisia.
She won gold medals at the 2018 Africa Youth Games (AYG) in Algiers and the 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja, said she went to Tunisia determined to win a medal.
The 17-year-old is now looking forward to making the country proud at the 12th All African Games scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco from 19 August to 31 August 2019.
“When I was preparing for the African Wrestling Championship in Tunisia, I never thought I will compete at the senior category. But when I heard that I am going to compete at the senior 65kg, I was a little bit panic.
However, I said to myself ‘yes the time has come to prove myself that I can do it’. A lot of people encouraged me, especially my teammates, the Ondo State wrestlers.
I promised myself to give out all my best, even more, that 100 per cent to perform well. My final against Yvette Zie of Burkina Faso was a very tough one and I won by 1-0. I never gave up one point in about six minutes on the mat. I returned the glory to God Almighty and those who still believe in me.
I never dreamed about success, I worked for it. We just have to rest a little before resuming ahead of other competitions. You know the All African Games is fast approaching too.”
Balogun thanked the Nigeria Wrestling Federation for supporting and encouraging the young wrestlers.
