by Tajudeen Amodu
The State of Osun canoeist, Ayomide Bello has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games following her heroic performance at the just concluded ICF Canoe Sprint World Championship in Hungary and Germany.
Out of 72 countries that participated in the championship meant to pick the best canoeist that will represent their countries at the glamorous Olympics events, Ayomide finished 5th in the finals of C2 200m event in Duisburg, Germany to scale through.
She currently remains number one in Africa in rowing and canoeing event after beating off her other African colleagues in the event.
The young, gifted athlete, who emerged best canoeist in last year’s National Sports Festival in Abuja has travelled to Duisburg Germany enroute Szeged Hungary, to participate in the qualifiers through assistance of the Governor State of Osun Mr Gboyega Oyetola, facilitated by the Supervisor for the Ministry of Sports, Social Protection and Special Needs Comrade Biyi Odunlade and the Sports Council, led by Mrs Lola Oluokun.
Speaking with OSBC Sports from Germany, Ayomide appreciated Governor Oyetola, Comrade Odunlade, The Sports Council and the Nigerian Canoeing Federation who are the strong pillars for her to always showcase her talents to the world.
“Am happy to qualify for the 2020 Olympics and I dedicate this feat to Osun Government, Canoeing, Rowing and Sailing Federation as well as my coach Mr. Oladele. I promise that I won’t relax until I get to the main event in Tokyo and do Nigeria proud”, dropped Ayomide.
Recall that Ayomide in March this year made history by winning Nigeria’s first gold medal in C1 200m at the Open International Canoe Sprint Championship in Bhopal, India which according to the Secretary General of the Sailing Federation, Olubunmi Oluode Ola was a memorable achievement for the country.
