Up and coming jumper Ruth Usoro is raring to participate in first her African Games and also she is looking forward to competing with the best long jumper in the continent in the last four seasons.
Usoro has had a remarkable rise in her career and she seems to be the next big name in the Nigerian long jump where African record holder at 7.17m Ese Brume holds sway. Usoro and Brume are here in Accra Ghana and in lively spirits ahead of the athletics event that kicks on Monday.
“It’s exciting to be here competing in my first African Games and I’m equally thrilled I would be competing with one of the best jumpers in the world,” Usoro said.
She had to be excited; Usoro right from her junior days, is one athlete that has paid her dues and her remarkable rise to world acclaim against all the frustrations she endued, is fitting for a youngster who had always dreamt of going far and achieving goals for herself and country.
There are times she qualified to represent the country in the junior cadre, but was not included in the team. No doubt her time is here and athletics enthusiasts are seeing her as the next big athlete in the Nigerian jumps.
“Usoro has done excellently well this season, her performance has been consistence and we are looking forward to seeing her compete here at the African Games.
“One thing we are happy about that we have two great athletes who would be going head to head and it is a bonus for Nigerian athletics,” said coach Gabriel Okon.
Coming into the African Games, Usoro has the leading the jump 6.87m this season in African a jump which has sealed her place in the Olympics. Brume is close on her tail with 6.84m. The long jump has always been about drama and it remain to be seen who between the duo who would have the last laugh. They don’t seem to pay attention to building rivalry as they bound together in training and dining.
She holds the national record of 14.50m in the triple jump. With a 13.89m season best, she tops the African women in the event and barring any unforeseen circumstances, its de’javu for the University of Texas student, who is looking forward to big things in world athletics.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 5: Ruth Usoro of Nigeria in action in the Women's Long Jump - Qualifying Round during the Athletics competition at Alexander Stadium during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games on August 5, 2022, in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)