BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE
Ex-international and Olympian, Princess Mabel Madojiemu has revealed how Team Nigeria can excel not only in the forthcoming African Games scheduled for Ghana on March also 2024 Olympic Games coming up later in the year in Paris, France.
In a chat with our correspondent, the ebullient quarter-miler explained that mental preparations, regular training and right exposure at the right time couple with determination are needed for Nigerian athletes to succeed in any continental or international competitions.
“As an athlete, preparing for competitions like African Games and Olympics require a well-structured training plan that focus on building strength, endurance, and skills, We should also consider mental preparation of thletes who want to participate in such events.
As an athlete, he or she should be on top of their game and have the right mentality in order to excel in such competitions,”she said.
Madojiemu insisted that Olympics appearance means a lot to an athlete saying that such athlete profile would attract sponsorship and would open door of opportunities to involve in high profile competitions,” she said.
“An appearance at the Olympics is a dream comes true for any athlete. It represents the years of hardwork, dedication, and sacrifice. It is an opportunity to compete against the best athletes in the world and showcase your skills on the global stage.
” My observation is that olympic participation not only brings pride but also opens doors to new opportunities, recognition, and the potential to inspire others through achievements.”said Madojiemu who is planning to organise grassroots athletic championship later in the year.
She however commended the works of coaches on athletes and noted that the success of any athlete lies on their coaching instructions.
“Coaches play a vital role in athletes preparation for competitions. They provide guidance, develop training plans, monitor their progress, motivation, and mental conditioning to ensure athletes are mentally and physically prepared for competition.
“We athletes understand the importance of consistent training regardless of financial circumstances. Government often seeks for funding to support our training and competition expenses. Some of us were employed by state governments. We were very dedicated to our sport, and will always find ways to train even when financial resources are limited.
“Every athIete is expected to be focused to make the Olympic team, because putting money ahead of preparations may cost your place in the Olympic Team, therefore, total focus is advised,” she stated.
She added that “Interestingly, athIetes are expected to have high hopes and expectations as it motivates them to accomplish their aim at the Games. Their level of training, preparations and performance would push their level of expectations towards success.
“We athletes always have a high expectations for ourselves, strive to improve our performance, set personal records, and achieve your best results,”she said.
The Australia-based former athlete opined that preparations for games and competitions in an Olympic year is tough and calls for total sacrifice and discipline on the part of athIetes who take all the blame for failure and enjoy the praises for success.
