Omolara Omotosho Ogunmakinju was at the best of her athletics career a decade ago representing Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics, and winning 4x400m relay silver at the Commonwealth Games 2014, she was in the top eight in two World Championships, but she suddenly disappeared from the scene.
But that break was well intentioned as she used the off period to get married and raise her family. In 2024 she reembarked her athletics adventure with a season’s best of 52.77 seconds.
She from her base in the US determined to rediscover her groove and at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana. Omolara announced her big come back to track and field with two gold medals won in the women 4x400m and in the mixed relay, where she squeezed water out stone to win the race with an astonishing new African and national record of 3.13.26 seconds.
She became an instant hero who was celebrated beyond the University of Ghana Sports Stadium and that was like a grand reentry into the atmosphere of athletics competition for the 30-year-old mother of two.
“I’m happy and excited with the outing, the hard work really paid, it is not in vain. I thank my supporters who encouraged me all the way and I can say that there more days ahead,” said the amiable athlete
“I see this as a stepping stone to get more hard work done and get prepared for my flat and qualify for the Olympics.”
She noted that she and her relay team colleagues are looking forward to participating at the bigger stage of the Olympics and has called for consistency from the group.
“As team we need to keep training and practicing be consistent and of course look up to God who is the author and finisher of our faith with that we can be on the podium at the Olympics.”
