Athletics Event Shines at the 2024 National Youth Games
The Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, was buzzing with excitement during the athletics events of the 2024 National Youth Games on Tuesday. Young athletes from the host state of Delta and Anambra State showcased their skills and determination as they competed fiercely in the finals of the 200m and 4×100m relay races. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering for their favorite teams, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.
In the girls’ 200m final, Anambra State stood out as the top performer. Chigozie Nwankwo, who had already claimed the title in the girls’ 100m earlier in the games, continued her winning streak by achieving a personal best of 24.71 seconds. This remarkable performance not only secured her the gold medal but also inspired her teammate, Adaeze Ezeh, who finished just behind her to take the silver with a time of 25.02 seconds. Meanwhile, Ngozi Okereke from Delta State put up a strong fight, earning the bronze medal with a time of 25.25 seconds. The strong finish by Anambra athletes highlighted their dominance in the girls’ athletics events.
Following this success, Nwankwo and Ezeh joined forces with two other teammates to compete in the girls’ 4x100m relay. They successfully defended their title, finishing first with a time of 48.21 seconds. This victory marked their second consecutive gold medal at the National Youth Games, further solidifying Anambra’s status in the athletics competition. Edo State came in second, clocking 48.82 seconds, while Team Ogun claimed the third spot with a time of 48.90 seconds.
Delta State made a strong comeback in the boys’ events, showcasing their talent and determination. Bright Gift delivered an exceptional performance in the boys’ 200m final, securing the gold medal with a time of 22.35 seconds. He was closely followed by Muyideen Adeola from Ogun State, who finished second in 22.83 seconds. Perfect Faye from Delta completed the podium by finishing third with a time of 23.07 seconds.
In the boys’ 4x100m relay, Team Delta proved their strength once again. They executed a flawless race, finishing with a time of 43.30 seconds to claim the gold medal. Bayelsa State finished in second place with a time of 43.71 seconds, while Ondo State rounded out the top three with a bronze medal, finishing in 43.92 seconds. The athletics events at the 2024 National Youth Games highlighted the skill and sportsmanship of young athletes, promising a bright future for athletics in Nigeria.