Chidi Okezie, the recently crowned African champion in the men’s 400m race, expressed his elation at his victory during the African Games held in Ghana, describing it as an incredible achievement and the realization of a long-held dream.
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Okezie attributed his success to his unwavering commitment to his training regimen, emphasizing that his dedication to following the prescribed schedules played a pivotal role in his triumph.
Having previously secured two bronze medals in the 400m event at the African level, Okezie delivered a stellar performance by clocking a personal best time of 45.06 seconds to clinch the gold medal for Team Nigeria in the final race at the ongoing 13th African Games.
The Zambian athlete, Samukonga Muzala, claimed the second position with a time of 45.37 seconds, while Senegal’s Diouf Cheik Tidiane secured the third spot with a time of 45.49 seconds.
Reflecting on his victory, Okezie expressed his overwhelming emotions, stating that the experience was beyond words and truly sensational.
Okezie acknowledged the hard work put in by himself and his coach in the United States, highlighting the importance of adhering to the devised strategies and game plan that ultimately led to his success.
Looking ahead, Okezie revealed his ambition to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games, setting a target of running the 400m race in 45 seconds to meet the qualifying standard. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with his coach to formulate a plan for Olympic qualification upon his return to the U.S.
Okezie emphasized that African athletes possess the talent and potential to compete on par with their counterparts from Europe and America, stressing the need for adequate resources to support their development and training. He underscored the importance of access to resources in enabling African athletes to excel on the global stage.
