“I pray that God will help me to attend big
competitions soon where scouts will attend and if given the opportunity,
I will opt to run in the colours of another country
Aderonke Olumudi, a gold medalist at the 2013 Zhuhai International 10km marathon in China, on Monday said she was considering a nationality switch to a country where she might be better appreciated.
Olumudi, from Kogi State, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that it was appalling that sports was not well encouraged in the country.
According to her, long distance runners are not appreciated.
Olumudi said if the trend continued, the country might lose many more of its talented athletes to other countries.
She said: “I have had different opportunities but for the love of my country I declined the chances to go and represent other countries.
“But with the way it is going, I may be compelled to change my mind.
READ ALSO:Chelsea fans tip Mikel for Ballon d’Or
“I pray that God will help me to attend big competitions soon where scouts will attend and if given the opportunity, I will opt to run in the colours of another country.
“Nigeria is not encouraging their athletes, especially long distance runners.”
Olumudi, who is also a gold medalist at the US Irving Marathon, said she usually struggled to participate in competitions as help was not always forthcoming.
She said: “I know that long distance races are not our area of specialisation but we have talented athletes that are ready to do the country proud.
“I have been struggling to participate in one international competition or the other.
“I have tried canvassing for help from people in my state and Lagos State, but it has been hard in coming.
“Sincerely, I am tired.
“It is not easy.
“There was a competition I was supposed to attend in 2015, but I could not because I could not secure a sponsor.”
Olumudi had also won a bronze medal at the 21km Accra International half Marathon in 2012.
NAN.
No comments:
Post a Comment