8. Tosin Oke
We’re gradually getting half way through the countdown, and one athlete who deservedly occupies the No. 8 position is African Triple Jump Champion, Tosin Oke.
Oke is a house old name when it comes to this event, be it within or outside the continent. He has consistently occupied the Top 10 position in the world since 2012, and still proved in 2016 why he’s still being regarded as one of the best in the event, especially within the continent.
After a series of meets in Europe and the Diamond League scene where he leaped to several Season’s Best (SB), including winning the British Indoor Championships, with a mark of 16.48m, the 36-year old was on the right track to regain his African title which he lost two years ago to South Africa’s Khotso Mokoena.
He did this in style, leaping to an SB of 17.13m to win GOLD and be crowned the African Champion. His mark then put him in the Top 10 position in the world, and in a strong position to qualify for the final at the Olympic Games.
However in Rio, his mark of 16.47m wasn’t enough to get him out of the qualifying stage, as he finished 23rd overall, the lowest position he’s ever placed.
The Commonwealth Silver medallist might not have had the best of outings at Rio 2016, but his achievements through the course of the year, including regaining the African Triple Jump title, puts him in good stead to occupy this spot.
