At simply 14 years outdated, Stephanie Onusiriuka is already being tipped because the athlete who might rewrite Nigeria’s historical past in gymnastics — and maybe ship the nation’s first-ever Olympic medal within the sport.
The teenage sensation as soon as once more proved her class on the just-concluded Nationwide Youth Video games in Asaba, Delta State, the place she dominated the gymnastics occasions and left little doubt about her rising star standing.
Representing Lagos State, Onusiriuka competed with poise, energy, and precision, profitable gold within the beam, vault, and the coveted all-round class.
She additionally added two silvers — within the ground train and the workforce occasion — to crown a outstanding outing.
Her newest triumph builds on an already glittering report. On the 2023 Video games, she shocked the group with 4 gold medals, immediately turning into the cynosure of all eyes and the poster woman for gymnastics in Nigeria.
This yr in Asaba, the main focus was squarely on her as soon as once more — and he or she delivered.
However Onusiriuka’s ambition stretches far past the Nationwide Youth Video games. Having had coaching in London to hone her abilities at world-class amenities, she has set her sights on competing — and medaling — on the World Championships, Commonwealth Video games, and in the end the Olympics.
“My dream is to symbolize Nigeria on the World Championships, Commonwealth Video games, and the Olympics,” she advised reporters after her win. “I’m grateful to my dad and mom and to everybody who has supported me thus far, however I want entry to top-class coaching amenities to compete with one of the best on this planet with out feeling intimidated. That’s the reason I’m interesting for personal sector assist. I imagine I could be the primary gymnast to win an Olympic medal for Nigeria if I’m given the suitable alternatives.”
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Her phrases echo a wider name for funding in grassroots sports activities improvement, particularly in disciplines exterior soccer and athletics the place Nigeria has historically targeted. With the suitable assist, Stephanie’s expertise, dedication, and imaginative and prescient might put Nigeria on the worldwide gymnastics map and encourage a brand new era of athletes.
For now, she stays the shining star of the National Youth Games. However for Nigeria, the larger story often is the risk that this younger woman might in the future make historical past on the grandest stage of all — the Olympic Video games.
