From Stomach Pain to Championship Record: Fasuba Relives Daughter Annabelle’s Journey to 60m Triumph

Former African sprint king Olusoji Fasuba has shared the dramatic story behind his daughter Annabelle’s rise to 60m glory, after the young athlete capped her indoor season with a personal best of 7.36 seconds, a time that ranks her number one in the UK in the U17 category for 2026.

It is also the third fastest, so far, in the World U18 category and the 33rd all. With her parents from Nigeria, her time is aso the fastest by an African ever in the U18 category.

Annabelle’s performance not only secured her a new personal best but also set a Championship Record, marking her out as one of Britain’s brightest young sprint talents.

Yet, Fasuba revealed that the day of the National U17 Championships began in chaos rather than calm.

According to him, Annabelle woke up with stomach pain just minutes before they were due to leave for the arena, throwing the household into panic.

‘Her health was our main concern,’ Fasuba recalled in a Facebook post, admitting that he even considered withdrawing her from the competition.

In a desperate bid to help, he sprinted to the shops, ‘at world record pace,’ he joked, to get milk, which eventually settled her stomach.

The turnaround was remarkable. Annabelle recovered in time to compete and went on to dominate her heats, semi-final, and final with the composure of a seasoned champion.

‘She controlled every race like a true champion,’ Fasuba said proudly, crediting her coach KarenNeal Callaghan Edwards for her dedication and guidance.

Fasuba also gave himself a light-hearted mention as her ‘committed starting block holder and full-time taxi driver,’ while expressing gratitude to everyone who has supported Annabelle’s journey.

With the indoor season now complete, preparations for the outdoor campaign are already underway.

Reflecting on her success, Fasuba, himself a former World Indoor 60m champion and former African 100m record holder, offered his daughter a simple piece of advice: ‘Take one step at a time. Rome was not built in a day.’