Daily Independent Online.
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Thursday, June 17, 2004.
Emedolu’s steady progress to Athens Olympics
Taiwo Alimi
Senior
Correspondent,
Lagos
Uchenna Emedolu may
not have the emotional temperament of Aliu Deji who shed tears openly after
winning the 100m final of the All Africa Games in Abuja last year. Aliu has
always been emotional and it got the better of him after the race as he cried
his heart out, lambasting the Dan Ngerem led Athletic Federation of Nigeria
(AFN) for labelling him ‘ the bad boy’ of Nigerian athletics. For
Emedolu who dropped football for athletics, his time and races has been the
medium of expression.
Three years back,
he was just a member of the all comers until he captured the 200m in Lagos in
the absence of Francis Obikwelu who same year dumped his fatherland Nigeria for
Portugal. Unfortunately for the Tobias Igwe tutored sprinter, Aliu, the only
other bid name in the sprints at
that time also stayed away making many not to take Emedolu’s
triumph in 100m and 200m really serious. The popular notion then was that it
was nothing but a fluke.
Today, the story is
different he has demonstrated that he is an athlete that can hold his own,
coming out to shine where Aliu could not even take a look. He rose to the
occasion at the World Cup held in Spain two years ago surprising the whole
world to pick gold and then followed up with another pulsating run in
Manchester later that year taking the silver medal in the same race his
team-mate and favourite flopped to seventh position.
Emedolu once shared
his psychology with this reporter. “I am a sprinter and when I am on the
track I do not want to think about any other thing but the job at hand”.
Emedolu would not worry if the federation failed in their duty. He is a bull
headed fighter who wants to do well at all times. That he defeated renowned
sprinter Frankie Fredericks in Abuja was clear indication that he could rub
shoulder with the best in the world.
My point, the Imo
State born is a potential medallist for the Olympics in Athens. Be rest assured
Emedolu would run with all his might with or without the support of the
federation.
He started his
build up on a good note last month when he appeared in Doha, Qatar running a
spectacular 10 under (9.99) in the final of the 100m. He had earlier qualified
with 10.08 in the heat 2. In Engel, Norway only last week Emedolu beat all to
the 200m ahead of Pognon Ronald of France and Canadian veteran Pierre Browne.
And the outdoor is just picking up meaning when he chose to peak he would do
better and be a delight to watch.
If Nigeria would pick an individual medal in athletics come
August, Emedolu is Nigeria’s best bet.
