‘Nigerian’ Tito Odunaike, 16, Becomes Youngest UK Indoor Triple Jump Champion
Tito Odunaike has etched his name into British athletics history by becoming the youngest-ever men’s triple jump champion at the UK Indoor Championships.
Odunaike, who is of Nigerian descent, sealed victory with a final-round leap of 15.75m, a performance that stunned the crowd and confirmed his status as one of the brightest young prospects in the sport.
‘I was nervous at the start, but I grew into the competition. Each round I felt stronger, and to finish with that jump means everything to me.
‘I’m proud to represent my club and my heritage,’ Odunaike was quoted as saying by Athletics Weekly after his historic win.
He started with jumps of 15.14m and 15.14m, followed by a no-jump. At this point he was fifth. In the fourth round he took the lead by 2cms with 15.48m. In the final round he found a big jump of 15.75m to win by 17cms.
His achievement is part of a growing wave of athletes of Nigerian heritage making headlines across global athletics.
From sprinter Annabelle Fasuba, who has impressed on the track, to rising star Divine Iheme, Nigerian-descended athletes are consistently breaking barriers and setting new standards.
Athletics Weekly noted that Odunaike’s composure and steady improvement through the rounds were remarkable for an athlete of his age.
With a senior national title secured before his 17th birthday, Odunaike is now firmly on the radar as one of Britain’s most exciting young talents.
