Following her incredible performance at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, where she broke the world record in the women’s 150-meter straight race, Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili fell silent.
Piedmont Park in Atlanta hosted the event on Saturday night. Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s previous world record of 16.23 seconds was shattered by Ofili’s incredible pace of 15.85 seconds, which electrified the crowd.
Ofili’s triumph was so spectacular that she became the first woman in history to finish the infrequently contested 150-meter course in less than 16 seconds.
Following the accomplishment, Favour Ofili attributed her remarkable success to both heavenly favor and her coach’s steadfast support, who has played a crucial role in her training.
“I’m unable to speak. “I think it’s wonderful that the Lord is good,” Ofili remarked.
It’s all God, really. Yes, the time startled me, but I know I worked hard. I had faith in my coach and his program, and I believed that the Lord will provide the opportunity when it was perfect.
Despite not being a conventional championship event, the 150-meter sprint has grown in popularity at street meetings due to its special blend of speed and endurance.
Read Also: 2027: Peter Obi Says He’s Part of Coalition to End Bad Governance, Addresses One-Term Deal with Atiku
Unfazed by the unusual distance, Ofili explained her race plan and the helpful advice she got from her support system.
“Treat it like a long 100 meters,” is some advise I received. “If the track is bouncy, just let it do the work and drive more,” she said. “My coach used to say, ‘Your favorite is to relax and sprint.'” That’s exactly what I did, and it worked.”
Ofili’s incredible run not only earned her a world record but also saw her outperform American sprint phenom Tamari Davis, who finished second with an outstanding timing of 16.14 seconds, also quicker than the previous world best.
At the race on Saturday, Ofili became just the second Nigerian athlete to hold a world record in athletics, joining the current global 100-meter hurdles champion Tobi Amusan in this prestigious company.
This incredible accomplishment adds to Ofili’s already stellar outdoor season. At the Grand Slam Track meet in Miami, he earlier set a wind-assisted 100-meter record of 10.94 seconds and followed that up with a 200-meter time of 22.27 seconds.
She further cemented her reputation as a strong sprinting contender there by finishing just behind Olympic winner Gabby Thomas and up-and-coming Melissa Jefferson-Wooden.
Ofili is poised for a breakthrough on the international sports scene, with her sights firmly focused on upcoming contests, including a medal bid at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.
She is committed to turning her skill and hard work into Olympic triumph in the years to come, even if she barely missed the podium in the 200-meter final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, finishing in sixth place.
