Israel Olubunmi, a 16-year-old pupil at Vega College, Lagos, who emerged as the overall winner of the 2022 Maltina School Games held in partnership with the Nigerian School Sports Federation, shares her success story with DANIEL AYANTOYE

Why did you choose this particular sport, what was the attraction?

I chose this because I love running and I enjoy doing it. I want to become a great person in this field and represent Nigeria at the world level. I want to be a champion like (Tobi) Amusan and (Favour) Ofili.

When did you start running?

I started when I was in JSS 3. I didn’t like it at that time but my coach forced me to do it and now, I enjoy it because I have seen how good it is and I have been doing this for three years now, participating in competitions and representing my school.

Did you receive support from your parents when you started?

Yes, my parents supported me a lot. Although at first, my mum scolded me for attending training all because there was no money. After some time, she saw my passion and she then allowed me. But she has been concerned about how to support me financially because athletics is about money, about sponsorship. My coach, Mr Adewumi Monday, also came to the rescue and took up the responsibilities both for my academic study and the game.

You were the overall best winner and won three gold medals at the 2022 Maltina School Games. Did you expect the outcome?

I felt great when I won the medals. I just didn’t expect it. Although I trained for it, God was behind the success and my coach who God used to support me in every area. That led to the victory. The preparation took weeks because when we had the finals in Lagos, we didn’t have enough time to train. We were only given one week for the finals in Abuja. During that same time, I had some tests at school. I had to take my tests while also preparing for the competition.

When you won, how did you celebrate?

I didn’t celebrate too much because I was overwhelmed and because I didn’t expect it. My coach was very happy. I went to school and the management was very happy. They praised me for bringing honour to the school and I felt very good about it.

What are your daily routine, training and diet activities?

I have a big field. I train from 5:30am to 6:30am and after school, I do my homework and return to training daily. It’s anything I see that I eat, and I am not on a diet, although I don’t eat too much. Also at all school sports competitions, I represent my school and try my best to focus on training without distractions. And so during the competition, it was not too difficult for me to put in my best performance at each stage

What were some of the challenges you faced?

Transportation issues and feeding sometimes were challenges. Sometimes, in the field where I train, when it rains, it becomes difficult to train. The issue of sponsorship most of the time is a problem for me especially when there is a competition.

Is your academic performance not affected by your focus on sports?

I am currently in SS3 and my performance is good because I wake up at midnight regularly to study, especially before my tests or examinations.  In my last school examination a school, I came second. It (sports) does distract me because through the guidance I receive from my coach, I look for a way to balance my activities. And my mind always whenever I have such competition is to go there and enjoy myself and that’s what my coach usually tells me.

Who is your role model and what is your aspiration?

My role models are Tobi Amosan and Ofili Favour. I have been following their race for some time now. I watched Tobi Amusan race at the World Athletics Championship and I was amazed; it was great. I love her speed. I want to be like her and I am determined to give it all it takes to get there. She inspires me. I aspire to become a professional athlete. Even after my higher education, if I have the opportunity to study further, I hope to pursue a career in athletics, represent Nigeria and be a world record breaker like Tobi Amusan.

If you have the opportunity to meet Tobi Amusan today, what will you tell her?

Ah! I don’t know what to say, but I will pray for her so that I can be like her. I will also congratulate her on staying focused and for being the first African woman to have such a record. She made me proud and I am inspired by her feat.

What will you love to do aside from racing?

I will love to be a coach because I see how coaches make life good for others and I will like to also do this. My coach has been there for me and I know one day, I will also have the opportunity to help others too.

What do you want your peers to know about goals?

I will advise my colleagues to work hard and always read and stay focused. Don’t relent but keep on going until you make it.  And my advice to parents is that they should always try to trust children’s choice of career and give all the needed support.