Team Nigeria’s trio of Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor have made history by qualifying for the women’s long jump final at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This marks the first time that three Nigerian athletes will compete in the final of this event at the Olympics.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement,” said Nigerian Athletics Federation President, Sunday Dare. “It speaks to the hard work and dedication of our athletes and coaches.”
The trio will compete against nine other athletes for medals in the final, set to take place on Wednesday. Brume, the African record holder, secured automatic qualification with a jump of 6.76m. African Games gold medallist Usoro followed with a mark of 6.68m, while Ochonogor earned her spot with a jump of 6.65m.
During the qualifiers, Usoro set the pace in the first round, with a near 7-meter foul, while Brume managed 6.44m and Ochonogor, in her first major championship, achieved 6.29m. Usoro then jumped 6.68m in the second round to take the lead, and Ochonogor soared to 6.65m.
Brume, needing a strong final attempt, delivered with a jump of 6.76m to meet the automatic qualification mark. “This is a remarkable moment for Nigerian athletics,” said Ese Brume. “We are ready to give our best in the final.”
The achievement is a testament to the strength and depth of Nigerian long jumpers. The nation eagerly anticipates the final, hoping for a podium finish. The last time Nigeria had multiple athletes in an Olympic athletics final was in 1996 when Falilat Ogunkoya and Fatimat Yusuf competed in the women’s 400m.
“To have three athletes in the final is a dream come true,” said Ruth Usoro. “We are determined to make Nigeria proud.”
Prestina Ochonogor, expressing her excitement, added, “This is just the beginning. We are ready to compete and win.”
