Okwose, Ogazi make Commonwealth Youth Games history

Faith Okwose has become the first Nigerian and second athlete in Commonwealth Youth Games history to successfully complete a sprint hurdle after the 17 year old stormed to a 23.36 finish to win the 200m.

The reigning African U18 100/200m champion was the overwhelming favourite to claim the 200m and she did not disappoint and has now become the second athlete after England’s Shaunna Thompson to win a sprint double at the Games.

Okwose ran a new 11.26 lifetime best and Games record to win the 100m event on Monday.

Justina Eyakpobeyan came in second (23.47) to make it a Nigeria 1 and 2 like it was in the 100m final.

In the men’s 200m, Samuel Ogazi ran 21.22 to make it a 200/400m double and make history as the first athlete in Games history to do.

Ogazi came to the Games as the reigning African U18 200m and 400m champion and, like Okwose, has extended his reign to the Commonwealth of Nations.

Okon Isreal Sunday ran 21.94 to place fourth in the race.

While the duo of Okwose and Eyakpobeyan will be heading to Budapest, Hungary for the World Athletics Championships after the Games, Ogazi will be returning hom to relax before building up for next season.