Beijing 2008 Olympic Games medalist, Chika Chukwumerije has encouraged Nigerian athletes from the Paris 2024 Olympics not to see themselves as failures despite not winning any medals.
Team Nigeria failed to win any medal at Paris 2024 just like it panned out at London 2012, he, however, praised their efforts and resilience in qualifying for the Olympics despite numerous challenges.
Chukwumerije emphasized that they are champions in their own right and urged them to focus on future opportunities, specifically the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
He acknowledged the systemic challenges they face and encouraged them to rise stronger from their experiences.
“As the team captain of the London 2012 Olympics, I relived that experience as the Paris 2024 Olympics went on, and my heart goes to all our athletes. From me to you, here is a big, warm hug. You have done well. You are not ‘failures’. Remember, you are African Champions, Commonwealth Champions and National Champions. You qualified for the Olympics, and in a world filled with billions of people, that makes you unique.
Those that love you, love you – parents, friends, colleagues, etc. Be around them in this moment, and heal quickly from the disappointment.”
He added: “Out of the deathly ashes of your Paris 2024 Olympic defeat, I want you to rise stronger than ever before. Let this defeat become a seed that yields fruit in the years to me.
I know first-hand all the systemic challenges you have faced, and will yet face. You squeeze water out of dry rock and should be given a cape and called superheroes. Just getting to the Olympic games as a Nigerian athlete deserves you getting an Olympic gold medal for personal effort and sacrifice.
He, however, tasked them, “Paris 2024 Olympics is behind us; Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 is ahead of us. Please, look ahead. Your Olympic dream is yet possible. Don’t make the past your burden. Focus on the future and be determined to make a difference.”