By Ben Efe
Former African Games 100m hurdles champion, Toyin Augustus-Abiodun is still basking in the glory of winning 80m hurdles gold at the recent Masters Athletics championships held August in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Augustus-Abiodun based in the USA was the only Nigerian athlete in the midst of competitions and according to her it was a pleasure representing Nigeria despite all the short comings.
“I’m absolutely excited clinching the gold medal, it gave me extra satisfaction that all my sacrifices were not in vain.
“I’ve always thought about the Nigerian people each time I’m competing and winning is just more pleasant,” said Augustus-Abiodun who represented Nigeria in the 2007 African Games and 2008 Olympics.
“Every athlete representing Nigeria have always had to put up with the inadequacies of the administrators.
“The Nigerian Masters couldn’t make it to Sweden, because they had no sponsors. Myself I had to pay my way down, paid for my training, but not so sure I can do it again, because I got kids to look after.
“It would have been nice if there was any support coming from the Nigerian federation or sports ministry, because in the USA their Masters get a token support for their training and transportation.”