By Tony Nezianya in Annaba, Algeria
Fresh off a gold medal victory at the inaugural African School Games, cyclist Grace Osaretin-Godwin is already focused on an even bigger prize: a medal at the Youth Olympic Games in 2026.
The next Youth Olympics, which will be the first to be held in an African city, are set to take place in Dakar, Senegal.
For Osaretin-Godwin, the victory is the culmination of a journey that began just a few years ago.
“To think I only started in this sport two and a half years ago in Benin,” she shared.
She credits a growing cycling community in her hometown for her rapid development.
“I am being guided by a number of coaches in Benin, where cycling is becoming a culture,” Osaretin-Godwin explained.
“We have mentors like Dr. Emma Igbinosa, a former rider himself, and other experienced cyclists like Senior Esse. They are opening my eyes and those of my teammates to what’s possible in this sport.”
Osaretin-Godwin described the gold medal as a “dream come true” and was quick to praise her support system.
“My current coach, Omozusi Moses, has been incredibly supportive, and my teammate, Divine Ogbe, who came with me for these Games, was essential,” she emphasized.
“Even though I ran the race, my teammate also worked for my success, doing a lot of blocking to help propel me ahead of the pack.”
Coach Moses, who views his cyclists as his own children, tries to instill a strong work ethic in them.
“I tell them that training is the hard part, but the competition is simpler. I also try to teach them the virtues of discipline and hard work.”
Tony Nezianya is the PRO of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC).
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