Having missed last year’s National Sports Festival (NSF) in Edo State due to a fractured arm, competing in and winning the women’s 100m Hurdles in Asaba was a dream come true for Team Delta’s Stella Ayanleke!
The NUGA Champion stormed to GOLD after finishing ahead of defending champion Grace Ayemoba and setting a new Personal Best (if ratified) of 13.58s (+1.1). Ayemoba was 2nd in 13.65s and Kemi Francis-Petersen 3rd with a time of 14.20s. The moment Ayanleke realized that she had run a new PB, she wheeled away to take a picture with the electronic timer.
Ayanleke who arrived in Delta State a day before her race, came with a lifetime best of 13.85s, which she set at the National Championships in June where she finished 3rd.
It was double celebrations for Delta State as Precious Okonye emerged the surprise winner in men’s 110m Hurdles, running a new PB of 14.23s, pulling away from the field to win the GOLD. Samuel Osadolor (Edo) finished 2nd with a time of 14.36s, while Martins Ogieriakhi came in 3rd in 14.52s.
