IOC Athletes Commission Election: Oshonaike showers praises on Oyedeji, others
A record seven-time Olympian and former African Table Tennis Queen, Funke Oshonaike has showered praises on Basketball legend, Olumide Oyedeji and all those who supported her bid for the International Olympics position.
Only during the week, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Kirsty Coventry, appointed Oshonaike and four other new members of the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC).
The five Olympians are: Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha (IRI, badminton), Husein Alireza (KSA, rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé (CIV, taekwondo), Olufunke Oshonaike (NGR, table tennis) and Mariana Pajón (COL, cycling).
In a swift reaction, Oshonaike said : “ To Olumide Oyedeji, my Nigeria Olympics Athletes President, thank you for starting this journey with me early last year, when you boldly put my name forward to contest in the IOC Athletes’ Commission election in Paris.
“Thank you for walking every step of that path with me. You held my hand, you lifted my spirit, you fought for me, and you stood by me from the very beginning.
“In Paris, I received so many votes, yet it wasn’t enough to get elected, and I was heartbroken. But you (Oyedeji) you never stopped believing in me. You refused to let me stay down. You kept reminding me that my story wasn’t finished.
“And now , this victory is ours. This moment belongs to both of us. Thank you, for never giving up on me even when others I trusted walked away. Thank you for pushing me, encouraging me, and making sure my light did not go dim. I am forever grateful.
“To everyone who supported me during the election, my wonderful NOC President, our NOC Secretary General, my beautiful sister Aisha Falode, the Secretary General of the NFA, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye and every other Nigerian who supported me, God bless you all.”
“I am full of joy, pride, and gratitude. What a beautiful moment for my beloved country, Nigeria!”
