CAA U-18/20 CHAMPIONSHIP: Support from family, friends gave me extra boost – 400m silver medalist Hafson Majekodunm

By Mishael Emmanuel who was in Abeokuta

Nigerian quarter-miler, Hafson Majekodunmi is beaming with joy and confidence about her fortune at the just concluded event, as she claimed a silver medal in the women’s 400m event at the 5-day CAA U-18/20 Championships.

Majekodunmi who ran 54.43s in the final said that the support she received from her family was invaluable and key in her outstanding performance.

“My parents came to cheer me on, so I didn’t want to disappoint them, I did that because they left their office to watch my run.”

The athlete who dedicated the past month to intensive preparations stated that she was happy the way things turned out.

“I was really happy because I wasn’t expecting that performance but at the very least all thanks to God.”

Ethiopia’s Bancharem Bikes in 3rd place was almost one second off Hafson Majekodunmi with a time of 55.31. While Chioma Nwachukwu won gold for the hosts, Nigeria in 52.47s.

She stated that the championship was a success and also improved the profile of athIetics events in Africa. Mentioning that it was reassuring to know that the organisers did all in their powers to make sure that African youths have the platform to showcase their talent.

“It was good, you could say excellent because of what we were expecting from Africa.”

The quarter-miler also extended thanks to the athletics followers who turned up at the MKO Abiola Stadium in support of Team Nigeria, “Thank you so very much, for the support and everything cheering us on,” she said.

Hafson Majekodunmi said that their new Puma kit added a fun side to featuring for Team Nigeria, “Oh my God it really helped us, it’s a very good make. It looks good on me too, so I love it.”

She also lauded the organisers of the championship, noting that the tartan tracks at the Arena were thoroughly maintained.

“Thank you so much. I really appreciate you, not only me but also my teammates. We appreciate you; to Puma thank you for sponsoring us we really appreciate you because your outfits are something else.”

Majekodunmi stated that the powerful strides she’s made and medals she won at the combined championships is taking her career in the right direction.

“I hope to be an Olympian because next year we have the world youth Olympics so I see myself there. So I’ll be training hard, in a few weeks time, we will have the national trials and I’m going there again to try my best.”