I will strive to become Africa’s best, says Olude, 20km race-walker

Fadekemi Olude, a 20km race-walk national record holder on Tuesday says she will strive to become the best in Africa.

Olude, who was reacting to her fourth place rank in Africa after the 21st Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships in Asaba, said that featuring in competitions kept improving her performance.

The Ogun indigene also told our reporter in Lagos that placing fourth in the competition was great achievement as she hoped to be number one.

“I feel so great, for me, there is no fourth position in Africa, it is not a small achievement, and I know that I will get there, no matter the tribulation.

“This is another new record, I thank God for it and I appreciate all the people on the board of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), they are helping race walk.

“They encourage us that long distance runners can do whatever sprinters are doing, that we should gather our strength together and work hard so that we can be recognised,” she said.

It was reported that Yanjaleye Beletewmitiku of Ethiopia came first place with a time of 1.31.46 secs, Grace Wanjiru of Kenya placed second with a time of 1.35.05secs.

Tunisia’s Chahimez Najr was third with 1.37.20 secs, Olude placed fourth with 1.41.16 secs and Aynalem Eshetu- Sheferawe of Ethiopia, fifth with 1.42.40secs.

She also said that achieving her goal was a gradual process, saying that she competed alongside Olympic and World Champions and emerged fourth position.

“Most of those that I competed with are Olympic champion and World champions, I am just starting, I am on my way to stardom with the help of God.”

Olude also that though there were changes in her techniques, she was still opened for improvement.