Chioma Ajunwa, Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medalist, has shed light on the challenges faced by athletes in the country, revealing the lack of support she received during her historic 1996 Atlanta Olympics victory.
Ajunwa made history when she won gold in the women’s long jump at the 1996 Summer Olympics, marking Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal in the Games. Her triumph came just a day before the Nigerian Dream Team clinched gold in football.
In an interview with Channels TV, Ajunwa reflected on her Olympic journey and the inadequate support from Nigeria’s sports system. “Winning the Olympics was the best thing to ever happen to me,” she said. “I never thought I would get the gold medal, but I’m thankful to God for giving it to me.”
Ajunwa revealed that her success was largely due to personal effort and the intervention of Green Eagles legend Segun Odegbami, who helped her access the training she needed abroad. “I worked very hard, not with the help of Nigeria, but with the help of God and Chief Dr. Segun Odegbami, who took me outside the country for good training,” Ajunwa explained. “I really put in my best to repay him.”
READ MORE: New Falconets invitee Simone Reilly says she is living her dreams playing for Nigeria
She criticized the athletics federation for its lack of support, highlighting that athletes often have to train on their own and bear the costs of training facilities. “To win an Olympic medal is not easy,” Ajunwa noted. “It requires consistent preparation, not just a few months of effort. The training needs to be monitored closely to ensure improvement.”
Chioma Ajunwa pointed out that without proper support and monitoring, Nigerian athletes will continue to struggle. “When athletes train by themselves, they may not push as hard as they would with a coach. It’s crucial that our country makes proper arrangements for the training of our athletes.”
Ajunwa’s comments come in the wake of disappointing performances by Nigerian athletes, underscoring the need for a more supportive and structured approach to sports development in the country.
