Edose Ibadin: Competing at the Olympics is a win in itself

Nigeria 800m record holder, Edose Ibadin may not have been happy with his performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics but the 31-year-old feels he has not come back from his first trip to the greatest sporting fiesta empty-handed.

Ibadin made history as the second Nigerian after Ado Maude to run in the event for Nigeria at the Olympics. Like Maude, who also made history as the first Nigerian to break 1:46 over the two full laps (1:45.91), Ibadin also did not go past the first round albeit he had another chance to do it in the repechage round.

Nonetheless, Ibadin is feeling happy for fulfilling a childhood dream of competing at the Olympics.

‘And just like that, it’s over. Didn’t quite get the result I wanted at the Olympics but what I can say is that I am extremely grateful to have been there. Went from watching it in the past to actually being there and that is a win in itself. Especially because I know what I went through to get here,’ said Ibadin in a Facebook page.

The 31 year old thanked those who supported his dream and those who are interested in pursuing their dreams.

‘Huge thank you to everyone who got up early to watch and cheer me on both in the stadium and on tv screens. The support was unmatched and I know I wasn’t out there alone on the track.

‘So to those with big goals, I dare you to go after them regardless of whether you succeed or fail because truthfully you won’t know unless you try but the willingness has to be there.

‘You have to be willing to put in the work regardless of the outcome and trust me when I say who you become on the journey to your goals far outweighs the goal itself.

‘Don’t worry too much about your current situation or stats because remember where your story starts doesn’t have to be where it ends.’