Olympic Games
gold medallist, Enefiok Udo-Obong returned from London 2012 last week with mix
feelings. He was feeling quite happy with himself at the same time despondent with
Team Nigeria’s dismay outing
His hilarity
stems from the fact he was officially admitted into the exclusive club of
Olympic games gold holders by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and in
extension the whole world, as Nigeria was awarded the 4X 400 Men’s relay gold
at Sydney 2000 following United State of America (U.S.A) disqualification.
Enee, as he
is fondly called by friends, also met with some of the finest and brilliant
athletes in the world, among them, the world fastest human, Usain Bolt, who
became the first athlete to defend the Olympics 100m and 200m titles.
Enee, who was
the guest of International Olympics Committee, (IOC) was also in the company of
his amiable wife, Uche Isedeh, who he said shared a lot of things with him.
Hear Him: I
was in London with my wife Uche. And l must add that we share a lot of things
in common. She, unlike many women, likes sports a lot. And l am really glad for
that because it is easy for us to connect well. Even when we watch TV set
together, we would be watching sports programme. And our children are also
developing interest in sports this way. She is very diligent and hardworking
and we both like almost the same type of sports. We like watching and
discussing sports together. She loves football as much as l do and you need to
see us whenever our favourite clubs are playing in the English Premier League.
She is a loyal supporter of Liverpool, while l’m a die-hard fan of Arsenal.
Notwithstanding we still get along well”.
Speaking on
Nigeria’s poor showing at the just concludes games in London, Enee said the perennial
problem dogging Nigeria’s sports, that of unpreparedness, again reared its ugly
head. “shortly after the games the British Prime Minister announced that
government has ear marked a total of 127m Pounds for preparation towards the
next Olympics; RIO 2016. Now that’s what I call seriousness. Nigerian officials
are still in London shopping and packing their excess baggage. For us to do
well we have to take the lessons learnt in London home and begin preparation
for 2020 games now. Take China for example, preparation for London Olympics
started 10 years and that is where to start for Nigeria too”.
Udo-Obong, who
ran the anchor leg of Team Nigeria’s 4x400m relay squad at Sydney Olympics 12
years ago, informed that late Sunday Bada and not him was the hero of the quartet.
It was Udo-Obong that Bada handed the baton in
that race which has now produced Nigeria’s third Olympic gold after the
disqualification of American Antonio Pettigrew for dope.
Udo-Obong
said: A lot of our success in Sydney can be attributed to him (Late Sunday
Bada). He sacrificed his right to run the anchor leg in the finals despite
being the most experienced and natural favourite to do so. He said the overall
success of the team was more important than his personal glory. This, he did
without complaining or grumbling
His
departure is really premature. He had so much dreams and aspirations for
Nigerian athletics. Bada was a leader, a brother, a captain, a coach, a friend,
a distinguished gentleman.”
Continuing,
Enee, who is blessed with three children, says he would not mind them going
into sports when they grow up. “They are still little though, but if they are
interested in going into sport l don’t mind. I just hope that they would go
into a lucrative one too”.
A talented
writer, whose work, ‘The Silver Lining’ is world acclaimed may not have special
preference for some kind of clothing, but is a powerful dresser by all
standards.
Enee noted
that he likes to dress to suit occasions. “I wear something that l feel is good
for me yet suitable for every occasion. When l have to go for a ball l know l
have to dress up in comfortable fitting suit or blazer and l can wear simple
shirt and trousers for a casual engagement. I love my local attires too and
when occasion calls for it you will hardly know me because l would be in
complete local attires,” added Udo-Obong.
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