Edo State cyclist, Osaretin Godwin, yesterday overcame Nigeria’s first cycling Olympian, Ese Ukpeseraye 2-0 in the women’s final of the 200m sprint at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival tagged 2024 Gateway Games in Abeokuta.
In a two-race best to win the 200m champion, Osaretin outwitted Ukpeseraye twice to rob her of the defending 200m gold she had consecutively won at the 2020 National Sports Festival in Edo and the 2022 one organized by Delta State, which had represented Ukpeseraye that year.
The Cycling venue along the Sagamu- Abeokuta expressway close to Kobape was plunged into ecstasy by Edo sportsmen and sportswomen and sportsmen in the states, most especially Delta, which Ukpeseraye spurned for Rivers State as they celebrated the vanquishing of the current champion who has dominated the sport for a long time now.
Ukpeseraye was holding her hands in celebration thinking she won first past the post of Osaretin but a photo-finish video confirmed Osaretin’s bicycle crossed by some seconds before hers.
Delta coach, Moses Omozusi who discovered Ukpeseraye in Ethiope-East local government council of Delta State and built her to stardom was thrilled at the rising of a junior champion who is now contesting for medals alongside the top players as he handed her bundles of Naira notes for her feat.
“I am highly thrilled that at last I have achieved the dream of winning a gold medal in the National Sports Festival for top athletes and I give glory to God”, she asserted.
Ukpeseraye compromised for silver and bronze went to Mary Samuel of Delta State.
In the men’s 200m sprint, Kwara won the gold, Delta won Silver while Edo had the bronze.
Osaretin Godwin Overcame Nigeria’s first Cycling Olympian
