After years of trying, Faith Osamuyi has finally won the women’s 100m hurdles title at the National Sports Festival, after running a new personal best of 13.26s to win the event at the 2024 edition in Abeokuta on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osamuyi stormed to the win at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, finishing ahead of Grace Ayemola in second place and the rest of the field.
Her previous personal best was 13.45s, which she set in March this year.
Osamuyi, who missed out on the African Games medal in Ghana last year, also revealed how she worked her way to national glory.
“I’m so happy because I have put in a lot of work, and all thanks to my coach for pushing me even when I gave up on myself,” Osamuyi said.
“Before the final, I was looking forward to a PB and yes, I got the PB and the gold, after years of trying.”
The men’s 110m hurdles race went to Great Musa of Delta State in a flash time of 14.15s.
Musa was constantly under pressure from Samuel Osadolor of Edo State in the final before bolting away after the last hurdles.
Both athletes easily won their semi-final heats, clocking a time of 14.49s (-2.7) and 14.71s (-2.2) respectively.
It was also Musa’s first gold after finishing second in Edo 2020.
“It’s been ups and downs but at the end of the day, I got one of the things I came for. The gold medal and a season’s best,” Musa told PUNCH Sports Extra.
