Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili shared that her experiences at the recently concluded 2024 Olympic Games in France have made her realize her strength in facing life’s challenges.
In a series of tweets on X, Ofili expressed pride in her performance at the games, despite the unfavorable outcome.
“It’s easy to feel defeated, but every setback is a setup for a comeback. I’m proud of myself, this Olympics made me realize how strong I am and I’m grateful for the support from my coach, family and fans.
“Trusting God’s plan and ways is the only way to heal because I know his plans are to give me hope and a future.
“Thank you Paris for yet another lesson learned and thank you to everyone who has been with me along the way—this isn’t the end, it’s just another step in the story.”
“Competing in the Olympics has been the dream of a lifetime. The outcome of this Olympic wasn’t what I hoped for—having to fight with myself every day to be strong mentally even when my body and health were at stake due to the challenges I faced,” stated Ofili, who finished sixth in the 200m final.
Ofili was omitted from the 100m race for the games owing to administrative lapses by athletic authorities in Nigeria, an incident that raised concerns among stakeholders.
She had taken to social media to call out Nigerian athletics officials after finding out her name was missing from the 100m race.
“It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games,” she wrote. “I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?”
Her remarks sparked heated reactions from the public.
The sprinter, however, was inconsolable after finishing sixth in the 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ofili had advanced to the final of the women’s 200m after finishing first in the heats and second in the quarterfinals.
The Nigerian athlete was placed in lane nine on the 200-meter track, next to 100-meter gold winner Julien Alfred in lane eight.
Although the 21-year-old appeared to be in top form, ready to fight for a medal and end Nigeria’s 28-year wait for an Olympic 200m medal since Mary Onyali’s success in 1996 in Atlanta, she narrowly missed out in a very tight race.
After the race, she broke down in tears and was consoled by journalists in the mixed zone.
“I’m tired,” she repeatedly said in a viral video as she fell into the arms of one of the women for comfort.