25th November, 2013
Faith John , a ten years old pupil of Ipakodo Primary School, Ikorodu, Lagos, emerged the champion in the girls’ 200 metre swimming free style at the Nigeria School Sports Festival which began on Saturday at the Ilorin Township Stadium, Kwara State.
John, who was a delight to watch beat six other contestants from Ondo, Cross Rivers, Anambra, Ogun, Kaduna and hosts, Kwara State, to win the first gold medal for Team Lagos. John finished up in 3: 11:34 seconds.
John also took part in the 50 metre breast stroke and won with the bronze medal for Lagos. Seun Adeola also came third in the 200 metre free style in boys’ category and won bronze medal for Lagos.
John, who spoke to P.M.News Sports on phone from Ilorin this morning said she was satisfied with her performance and promised to win more laurels for Lagos in future national competitions.
“It was a good outing for me because nobody thought I could win a gold medal in swimming considering the number of states participating in the school sports festival. I thank God for this victory and I promise to do better in more competitions for Lagos,” she said.
One of the coaches who handle Team Lagos in Swimming, Eniola Omope commended her athletes for their performance in swimming. She said Team Lagos did not come to Ilorin to make up the numbers but to win the overall medal of the festival.
“I am happy for Faith John because she did well in the swimming event. I see her as a prospect for Lagos and I won’t be surprised if she wins more laurels for Lagos before the tournament ends,” she said.
Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Sports Council, Bashiru Agunloye boasted that Lagos will win the overall medal at the end of the festival.
—Sunday Akintoye