By Maduabuchi Kalu, Lagos on September 24, 2016

It was jubilation and shouts of joy on Friday at the Teslim Balogun StadiumSurulere Lagos, as Olympian, Rachael Tonjor smashed the national 200mtrs breaststroke record set by Blessing Forcados in 2007, at the ongoing 7th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Open Swimming Championship, which is holding for the very first time in the aquatic state of Lagos.

After the final of women 200mtrs breaststroke was decided, Tonjor, one of the two swimmers who represented Nigeria at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, was announced to have broken a nine-year-old record set in 2007 by Blessing Forcados during the All-African Games in Maputo, Angola.

Tonjor, of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), described the achievement as the fulfillment as she had tried in the past but failed to break the record having broken the other records in 50mtrs and 100mtrs breaststroke. Tonjor smashed Forcados’ time of 2.51.93secs by completing the race in 2.51.85secs.

Tonjor, who had already won two gold medals by the end of proceedings on Friday, said: “I am very happy for breaking this nine-year-old record set in Maputo by Blessing Forcados in 2007. This is a dream come true for me because over time, I have been striving very hard to break this record, having broken the records in 50 and 100mtrs breaststrokes but to no avail.

“It is true that I didn’t set out to break the record but I was just doing my thing by trying to ensure that I was not disgraced by other swimmers, having been introduced as an Olympian by the officials. It would have been a slap on my face for anyone to have beaten me in the race.    

“I am highly delighted in achieving this feat. Like I said, I didn’t set out to break the record because I had tried in the past without success. Now, I can assure you that I am fulfilled with this achievement.

“This achievement will serve as motivation for me for the next All-Africa Games. Having broken this nine year old national record, I believe that winning gold for my fatherland in the All-Africa Games is doable because I believe that whatever anyone set out his her mind to do, he or she will certainly accomplish it with hard work, commitment and God’s grace.”

•Photo shows record-breaking Olympian Rachael Tonjor.

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 24, 2016

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