Team Nigeria got a surprise gold medal on Day 1 of Athletics competition at the 19th International School Sport Federation – ISF Gymnasiade in Normandy, France on Monday (May 17).
Aderonke Akanbi pulled away in the last lap of the girls 3000 metres final held inside the Stade Helitas in Caen to win the gold medal in a lifetime best of 9:36.86, announcing Nigeria’s return to the Gymnasiade podium after more than two decades absence in grand style.
The 18-year-old school girl record run shattered the 33-year-old national record of 9:41.28 in the event, which was set by Itsemhike Anwalimhobor on 22 March 1989 in Benin City, Nigeria.
Akanbi, an SS1 student from Ilaro in Ogun State, also won the women’s 5000m with a personal best time of 17:08:55 at the 2nd AFN All-Comers meet in Lagos recently.
Uganda’s Financia Chepkwemoi missed out on the podium after leading the field in earlier laps, finishing in fourth place with 10:00.32.
Team Nigeria is attending the ISF Gymnasiade Normandy 2022 in Deauville, France with a delegation of 10 athletes and four officials.
“It’s good to run here in France. Thank you to my coach, my team and my family,” said an elated Ronke Akanbi after the medal ceremony.
Selected Results
3000m Girls Final – ISF Gymnasiade Normandy 2022
Ronke Akanbi (NGR) 9:36.86
Marginean Iulia Florina (ROU) 9:38.69
Gladysheva Arina (KAZ) 9:53.55
Financia Chepkwemoi (UGA) 10:00.32
Edith Chebet (UGA) 10:02.44
Maria Anthi Vythoulka (GRC) 10:25.71
