National Youth Games, Shell, University of Ilorin
A happy Chiamaka Egbochinam after clinching Silver at the National Youth Games in Ilorin

Shell sponsored Chiamaka Egbochinam held her own in a very competitive Girls’ 100m field to clinch the Silver medal for Anambra State at the ongoing National Youth Games in Ilorin.

In fact that medal was so significant, because it is the first medal of any colour that Anambra State would be winning at the games, propelling their state Sports commissioner Dr Mrs Uju Nwaogo to come down and personally congratulate her after the race.

Anambra, National Youth Games
Chiamaka Ebgochinam congratulated by Anambra Sports commissioner Nwaogo and the state’s head coach Johnny Igboka

Egbochinam ran the fastest time of the three semifinals to win heat 2 in 12.18s, became the cynosure of all eyes just before the final as many spectators eagerly anticipated her participation in the final.

 

The 16-year old raced through from lane 6 finishing 2nd with a Season’s Best (SB) of 12.15s just behind Bayelsa’s Marvelous Asemota who won in 12.02s, with Akwa Ibom’s Peace Okon 3rd in 12.22s.

Interestingly, Egbochinam won double Bronze in the 100m and 200m last year in this particular championship, and has now upgraded to Silver to show the steady progression she is making in her career.

National Youth Games, Shell, Anambra
Egbochinam leaving the track after winning the 100m Silver medal at the National Youth Games in Ilorin

Also competing in the 200m, Egbochinam has a strong chance of leaving Ilorin with two medals just as she did on her first appearance in 2016.

Last year, Egbochinam was awarded a two-year scholarship by SNEPCO as the fastest 15-year old in Nigeria, to study and train with Olympic medallist Deji Aliu. Egbochinam has not looked back winning 100m Bronze at the National Junior & Youth Championships held this year in June at the National Stadium in Abuja.

With the progress she has made within a short period, it is only a matter of time before she carries over her impressive youth form into the junior category and the seniors as well.

 

SHARE
Athletics coverage was a discovery, having to move away from regularly writing about Football. Although it was initially daunting, but now being an authority in it makes the past effort worthwhile. From travelling on the same international flight with Nigerian athletes, to knowing you could easily interview: World Record holder Tobi Amusan, then Ese Brume, I have cut my teeth in this beat earning the trust of Athletics sources. Formerly the Content Manager-Sports at Ringier media Nigeria, Chris is a Senior Sports writer, Photographer & Community manager at Making of Champions.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here