Okagbare hits N2m jackpot with 6.97m leap
On June 22, 2012 ? In Sports
By Ben Efe, Calabar
Blessing Okagbare saved the best for the last in the women?s long jump when she leapt 6.97m on the final day of the All Nigeria/ Cross River Championships.
RIDING HIGH ? Okagbare
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria had staked N2m jackpot for all the events, but it was only Okagbare that was able to meet the set standard with the distance that made the A standard of the Olympics. She had won the women 100m in a photo finish, but here on the pit she totally outclassed her opponents.
It was her personal best in the event, in which she won bronze at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Also in the men?s long jump Stanley Gbagbeke recorded his personal best with a jump of 8.21m, just shy of the long standing 8.27m mark set by Yusuf Alli in the 1987.
In the men?s 200m decided yesterday, Obinna Metu confirmed his status as Nigeria?s best sprinter when he posted 20.91seconds to make it a double. Noah Akwu finished second with 20.98, while Elvis Ukale placed third with 21.28seconds.
Loretta Ozoh won the women?s200m with 22. 73. She denied Gloria Asumnu the chance to win her first race in Nigeria, Asumnu finished 22.89 seconds, while Christy Udoh placed third with 22.91.
