Ofili eyes Olympics place after Grand Prix triumph News

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Ofili eyes Olympics place after Grand Prix triumph

By Daily Sports Nigeria on June 11, 2024

Nigerian track and field star, Favour Ofili, has set her sights on the upcoming national Olympics trials after she pulled off a stunning victory in the women’s 100m at the New York Grand Prix, defeating a stellar field that included Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica on Sunday.

The 21-year-old clocked a season-best 11.18secs to take the win, America’s Morolake Akinosun was second in 11.20secs while her compatriot Aleia Hobbs ended in third place in 11.21secs.

Thompson-Herah, the Tokyo Olympics 100m and 200m gold medalist, could only manage ninth place in 11.48secs as she continues to search for her best form this season.

“Just like practice, stay calm and just go, finish your transition because that’s the issue, and whatever happens will happen. I wanted to get the standard here and I give God glory for the win,” Ofili told NBC Sports after the race.

“(For the trials), stay calm and just do what I know how to do, go back and do some training before I go back home for the national trials.”

The Olympic trials are scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State from June 16 to 18. The trials will serve as the selection of the nation’s athletes for both the Senior Africa Athletics Championships, holding between June 21 and 28 in Douala, Cameroon and the Paris 2024 Olympics, which hold from July 26 to August 11.

Fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showered praises on Ofili following her impressive performance.

US-based Nigerian, Esther Agbarakwe, wrote, “Congratulations to Favor Ofili for winning her 100m Race in New York.”

Odinaka Akpamgbo added, “Favour Ofili’s top end speed is unbelievable.”

Another fan stated, “My girl Favour Ofili is doing so good!”

Sports journalist Bimbo Adeola predicted that Ofili would put up a fine performance at the Olympics.

“Favour Ofili getting set to shock the world at the Paris Olympics as she wins the women’s 100m race,” he wrote.

Sports promoter, Village Athleticz, also celebrated Ofili’s achievement, stating, “All hail the star girl, Favour Ofili. A great win for her!”

Mighty George congratulated her, noting, “Congratulations to Favour Ofili who wins the women’s 100m at the USATF LA Grand Prix in 11.18s.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted June 11, 2024