Adeshina’s record jump excites AFN
2 min read
…it’s a sign of good things to come – Okowa
By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by AFN Media
Higher jumper, Temitope Simbiat Adeshina, who made her second appearance in competitive meets in the USA, has shattered the Nigeria’s national high jump record held by Doreen Amata since 2016.
Adeshina who joined the Texas Tech School athletics team in 2023, cleared the height of 1.96m to erase Amata’s 1.93m indoor and 1.95 outdoor records on Friday at the Corky Classic in Texas, USA.
Reacting to the development Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Chief Tonobok Okowa noted that it was thrilling to know that Adeshina is fast becoming a world class athlete.
“It’s a heart warming performance by Adeshina, it’s a world leading performance and I am banking on her to improve on that record. “It’s a sign of good things to come as we prepare for the African Games and the Olympics this year,” said Okowa.
Adeshina who narrowly missed the World Championships last year in Budapest with her previous personal best of 1.83m had always looked forward to competing at the World level and with her consistent performances it wouldn’t be out of place for her to dream of a podium finish at the Olympics. The 1.96m is just a fraction below the Olympics qualification standard.
At the Corky Classic she opened her day with 1.85m, she followed up with 1.88 and 1.96, before landing the big jump.
“I don’t even know what to say. I’m just happy,” she said after the historic leap. “I’m glad I can do it.”
“It’s a great achievement for me. Thank God I worked for it and God make it happen, and thanks to my coach.” The 25 year old added.
“It was fantastic,” said Keith Herston, who coaches Tech jumpers. “She’s got a lot to learn, and she actually learned a lot tonight. Put a lot of stuff together that we’ve been working on. That last jump, that’s the best approach she’s run in her life, and she really had a big clearance over that 1.96 (meters).”She’ll still have all season to jump at 1.97.
Adeshina arrived at Tech in August. She said she was well-acquainted with Tech’s recent contingent of Nigerian track and field athletes and was encouraged to come stateside by sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
