Paris 2024 Olympics: Okezie says this week is ‘the week I have been building towards’

African Games 400m champion, Chidi Okezie says he is delighted his dream and that of 800m runner, Edose Ibadin, is about to come true as they are set to be officially tagged as Olympians in the green and white colours of Nigeria.

Both have qualified to represent Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympians. For Okezie, it was a fulfillment of a dream that was snuffed out in 2021 following an unmitigated error by the Athletics federation of Nigeria, AFN, which led to him and nine others disqualified from competing at the Games.

Okezie took to his social media page to express his delight at finally getting his dream fulfilled.

‘Every early morning, every grueling workout, every moment of sacrifice has led to this. Me and my Hampton brother, Edose Ibadin will step onto the Olympic track, not just as competitors, but as embodiments of Hampton excellence.

‘We don’t ask for luck – we’ve forged our own destiny through relentless preparation and unwavering dedication. We’ve sculpted our fate with iron will and unbreakable spirit. The Hampton spirit courses through our veins, driving us to push beyond limits and redefine what’s possible.

‘Your support fuels our fire. We only ask that, you raise your voices and let the world hear the power of Hampton pride as we take our mark. Together, we’ll show what it means to be excellent,’ wrote the former USA World U20 4x400m champion.

Okezie is expected to be in action on Friday evening in the Mixed 4x400m relay while Ibadin will kick off his first race in the 800m on August 7.