As the team captain to the London 2012 Olympics, I relived that experience as Paris 2024 Olympics went on, and my heart goes to all our athletes. From me to you, here is a big, warm hug. You have done well. You are not ‘failures’. Remember, you are African Champions, Commonwealth Champions and National Champions. You qualified for the Olympics, and in a world filled with billions of people, that makes you unique.
Those that love you, love you – parents, friends, colleagues etc. Be around them in this moment, and heal quickly from the disappointment.
Let me tell you a story…
Two months ago, I was shocked to find strange leaves growing in my yam garden. On closer inspection, I discovered it was paw-paw. My initial puzzle on how this came about turned to a squeal of astonished delight when I remembered how often I threw away the seeds into the garden after munching the juicy flesh in recent weeks. Now I have five paw-paw trees are fast growing. They did not mind that I threw them away. They refused to die, bur rather grew roots and started thriving.
Out of the deathly ashes of your Paris 2024 Olympic defeat, I want you to rise stronger than ever before. Let this defeat become a seed that yields fruit in the years to come.
I know first-hand all the systemic challenges you have faced, and will yet face. You literally squeeze water out of dry rock and should be given a cape and called superheroes. Just getting to the Olympic games as a Nigerian athlete deserves you getting an Olympic gold medal for personal effort and sacrifice.
Paris 2024 Olympics is behind us; Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 is ahead of us. Please, look ahead. Your Olympic dream is yet possible. Don’t make the past your burden. Focus on the future and determine to make a difference.
Chika Chukwumerije
Beijing 2008 Olympic Medalist
3-time Olympian
