The Sun News On-line

Embattled Africa’s fastest man, Olusoji Fasuba, is unfazed by the emergence of super sprinters who sent him crawling in his last two championships. Rather, he says he’s only temporarily down but not out, adding that he will shake the world in Beijing in August.

The 60 metres Indoor World champion struggled at the last African Athletics Grand Prix in Abuja, losing to Adetoye Durotoye, while Obinna Metu took the show from his feet at the 19th edition of the Mobil Track and Field Championship in Abuja last week.

But the Ekiti-born sprinter has allayed fears of worried Nigerians and his fans over his chances of making it to the Beijing Olympics after a muscle pull forced him out of the final leg of the 4x100 relay race at the Mobil Championship.

“This championship has been so terrible for me,” Fasuba lamented. “It’s the worst disappointment I’ve ever gone through as a sprinter. But as a Christian, I believe that every disappointment is a blessing from God. I’ll surely turn this disappointment into gold in Beijing. This is my promise to Nigerians.

“I’ll explode at the Olympics. I’ve waited long enough to hit the world stage with a bang. And I want Nigerians to know that I’ll be in Beijing, not as also run, but as a strong contender. Nigerians will be proud of me at the end of the Games.”

Fasuba continued: “I tried to win the 100 metres race in Abuja, but got beaten by Obinna Metu by a split second. And I thought I could make up with the relay, but I was forced out by injury. I ended up not picking a gold medal at the meet.

“God knows why it happened that way. But I am very optimistic; my Olympic dreams are still alive.
“The message I have for Nigerians is that they should not get worked up over my injury, because I know I’ll get over it and do well at the Olympics.
“The doctors had yet to ascertain the extent of the injury, but I’m confident that it won’t be very serious. I will return to the tracks soon.”

On the performances of Metu, Durotoye and others in the 100-metre race, Fasuba said it’s very interesting to see the emergence of new sprinters, adding that it would enhance Nigeria’s chances in relay at the Olympics in Beijing. He said that their emergence was a good omen for the country, but it was a pity that they could not set a new record in the 100 metres despite how keen the race was.

The World 60 metres Indoor champion said he had no regrets being beaten by Metu, adding that the upset would only inspire him to double his effort whenever they clash next time.
Fasuba, who represented the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, commended the general organisation of the Abuja meet, stressing that it was a worthy trial for Nigerian athletes, who are preparing for the Olympic Games.

“It’s my prayer that we remain injury free during the Games, and again, that we do not peak before time.” He assured that Nigeria must win medals in track and field events at the Olympics.
“We need prayers and God’s guidance to be at our best at the Games in Beijing so that we can do our country proud,” he quipped.

Also speaking on Nigeria’s chances at the Olympic Games, the man-of-the-moment, Obinna Metu, attributed his victories to God and hard work, adding that they were keenly contested races.
“We will do well at the Olympics, but we need to perfect our strategies before the Games kicks off to ensure we come home smiling.

“The Americans, Chinese and athletes from Europe will definitely be tough challengers, but we shall give them a run for their money,” Metu said.