... praises Edo State Government for supporting State athletes In Abeokuta
By Oluwatobiloba Kumoye
Shot put silver medalist at the just concluded Confederation of Africa Athletics, (CAA), U-18/U-20 Championships, Edo State born, Audu Emmanuel Shakamomodu, says that competing at the event in the colours of Team Nigeria was a dream come true for him
He made this statement in an interview with on Thursday.
Shakamomodu explained that he had been training for years to be able to raise the flag of the ‘Giant of Africa’ just at the right time.
“I had to prepare myself mentally, I asked for God’s backing before the event, asking for discipline, courage and strength to complete the task ahead of me, I told myself that this is my time to shine, I have been training so hard for this event I cannot fail, there is no backing down,” he said.
During the continental showpiece held in the ancient city of Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria, Audu Shakamomodu threw a personal best of 18.61 meters in the U-18 shot put event, a distance he believes is a clear evidence of his years of hardwork.
Edo State born shotputer stressed that his girlfriend and his family were a fountain of strength for him at the championships, as the pressure to make his name heard across the continent was too much for him alone.
“Tension soared during the competition and it was disorienting, but my family was my source of strength, both financially and morally, my mum and dad, most especially my captivating and alluring girlfriend, Elizabeth,” he emphasized.
Audu Shakamomodu, who also works as a bouncer and security guard at social events to support himself, stated that during the Team Nigeria camp, Edo State Government through the Edo State Sports Commission (ESSC), gave him the very best of support.
“The Edo State Government, tried their very best to support me, while I was in camp, morally and financially, I’m very grateful for their support,” he expressed.
He added that his role model is shot put world number one, and world record holder, Ryan Crouser.
“I lookup to Ryan Crouser, he is the world number one, there are other throwers that I still follow, who are like old-time throwers,” he explained.
He further explained that he will head back to the drawing board, to fine-tune his skills, turning him into an unstoppable and lethal weapon during the National Trials.
“I tried my best, I just have to go back and work on myself, work on my technique and hopefully comeback again stronger and better at the National Trials. I will make Audu Shakamomodu, a household name just like Ryan Crouser,” he stressed.
