2024 Gateway Games: Ogun State’s Tobiloba Bags N2.5M, Gold in Swimming

Omolola Tobiloba Akinsanmi etched her name into the history books on the opening day of the swimming events at the National Sports Festival, winning Ogun State’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s 800-meter freestyle.

The young swimmer was the cynosure of all eyes after she delivered a breathtaking performance, emerging victorious in a competitive field.

Tobiloba started in third place, but executed a tactical race to overcome the initial set by accelerating in the latter half to claim the top podium spot.

“The 800 is a very long event, so I had to prepare mentally,” she told Sports247 after the race.

“Even though I started in third, I kept telling myself, ‘I’m ready. I’m going to win this.’ At the halfway mark, I pushed harder and started gaining speed. I said to myself, ‘I’m going to get this Gold’ and I did.”

In recognition of her historic feat, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has announced a reward of 2.5 million Naira for Tobiloba as part of a broader incentive scheme aimed at encouraging excellence among state athletes.

“This initiative is a token of appreciation and a motivation….”

Sports247.ng