African Games mixed relay final, race of my life – Ogunmakinju

Nigerian sprinter Omolara Ogunmakinju, who took a break from athletics in 2016 and returned to inspire the women’s and mixed 4x400m relay teams, talks about her motherhood break and attending another Olympics in this interview with ABIODUN ADEWALE

First of all, how does it feel to be back representing Nigeria on the international scene again after some time away?

It is the aim of every athlete to train hard every day to compete and qualify to be selected to be among thousands of athletes who also wish to be selected. It’s an incredible honour to represent my country on the international stage. It’s a dream come true to wear the Nigerian shirt and make my nation proud.

How did the African Games performance, especially the mixed 4x400m anchor make you more popular in Nigeria and beyond?

Yes, the African Games was a massive platform, and I’m thrilled that my performance has made me more popular in Nigeria and beyond. The response was overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the support.

In that race, you covered about 20-30m to win gold. What was on your mind when you got the baton in second place?

When I received the baton in second place, I reminded myself that the team wanted the gold. When I realised the gap I had to cover up, I thought about how weak or strong my opponent was, so I just kept on with my race pace, and when I saw I was closing it up, I kept pressing on. As we approached the finish line, I gave it everything I had, and the speed and power just took over. It was an incredible feeling of relief, joy, and disbelief, all mixed into one.

Would you call that race the race or your life?

Yes, it is. That race will always be special to me.

When you left athletics after the 2016 Olympics, did you intend to quit running totally, or did you have it in mind to return as well?

I didn’t intend to quit running entirely, but I needed time to prioritise my family, so I took a ‘motherhood’ break. I got married to my husband in the year 2015 and we both agreed to take a break after the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, which we did. God answered us by giving us our first child in 2018 and the second in 2020. We resumed training in 2021 and made the Nigeria team again in 2023. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. After everything, I just decided to try again, and I set a goal. My family was incredibly supportive, and I’m grateful for their love and encouragement. All glory to God for a great improvement. God does things in his way, and I look up to him for directions.

Were there any other motivations to return to the tracks after having your children?

I believed I had run at my best before and that I could do it again. Some women in the sport also did the same and came out victorious.

How did you meet your husband and how supportive has he been to your career?

We meet as friends on the tracks. He has been my rock. He understands the demands of the sport and has been instrumental in supporting my career. Before he quit the sport, he was a sprinter and represented Nigeria at the junior level and won a gold medal at the Africa Junior Games. He also represented Ondo State, Delta State and Oyo State at different national sports festivals.

After your first degree in AAUA, you are now studying abroad. How are you coping in the USA without your family, studying and competing at the same time?

It is the hardest thing I have ever experienced. This is the time I appreciate being around family. I know how it feels to miss your loved one. Studying in the USA while competing and being away from family is tough, but I’m managing. It’s a challenge I’m determined to overcome. I keep telling myself it’s all for a purpose, and that keeps me going.

During your time in AAUA, what was it like to be a student and representing Nigeria? You competed at NUGA and World University Games level, how did you relate with other athletes who knew you as a national athlete then?

As a student-athlete in AAUA, I learned to balance my passion for running with academics. It wasn’t easy, but it prepared me for the demands of competing at the international level. My fellow athletes were incredibly supportive, and we pushed each other to be our best. For as many who met me at the NUGA and World University Games as a national athlete, I let them understand they can do likewise if they are consistent and determined to do both.

Due to an injury, you missed the World Relays, and some members of your team had visa issues as well. How disappointed is it to have missed that chance to qualify for the Olympics?

Honestly, I was so disappointed because I was prepared for it and wanted to qualify early to avoid last-minute rush and pressure.

There was another chance to qualify for the event during the African championships, but despite winning gold, the time wasn’t enough to see the women’s 4x400m relay team in Paris. What would you say affected the team?

We gave our best to be honest, knowing that was our last chance to qualify. I really cannot explain how we didn’t make it but our solace is in the gold we won.

You are part of the mixed relay team in Paris. How hopeful are you about another relay medal for Nigeria?

Anything is possible. We have been working hard to make sure we don’t just participate, and it will be an honour to win an Olympic medal. I will cherish it forever.

Nigerians are still waiting for your individual gold medal on the international stage as well. Are you under any pressure to deliver that anytime soon?

There’s no pressure; I trust in my abilities and know that with hard work and determination, the individual gold medal will come. That’s small for God to do.