Nigerian shines in Asian Games for Qatar

Nigerian shines in Asian Games for Qatar

Sunday, September 28, 2014 10:08 pm


Ogunode, middle, with other medalists, L-R, Bronze medallist Japan's Kei Takase and right, silver medallist China's Su Bingtian

Ogunode, middle, with other medalists, L-R, Bronze medallist Japan’s Kei Takase and right, silver medallist China’s Su Bingtian

Qatar’s Femi Seun Ogunode made a victorious return from a doping ban Sunday as he smashed Asia’s 100 metres record and snatched Asian Games gold with 9.93sec in wet conditions.

As China soared past 100 golds, Nigeria-born Ogunode was all smiles after he lowered the Asian mark by 0.06sec and finished nearly two-tenths ahead of China’s Su Bingtian.

Hopes of the first sub-10sec run by an Asian-born athlete were doused as Su timed 10.10, Japan’s Kei Takase clocked 10.15 and Zhang Peimeng was fourth in 10.18.

Ogunode, originally from Ondo in Ondo state, returned in January from a two-year ban for using clenbuterol and he said he was hungry for more success in next year’s world championships and the 2016 Olympics.

“I had a feeling that I would break the Asian record and I promise I’ll win more gold medals here,” said the 23 year old Ogunode, who is also running the 200m and the 4x100m relay.

“Look out for me in the world championships in China in 2015 and the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.”

Ogunode’s time puts him among the top 50 fastest men of all time but still some distance from Usain Bolt’s world record of 9.58.

His brother Tosin Ogunode also runs for Qatar.

Teenage steeplechaser Ruth Jebet finally got her gold after being disqualified on Saturday as she prepared to step onto the podium — and then being reinstated on appeal.

The Kenya-born 17-year-old, who switched to Bahraini nationality last year, said she had high-level support from her new country’s king during the bizarre turn of events.

Jebet was first disqualified for stepping off the track, a decision which was announced to the crowd during her victory ceremony as she was standing behind the podium.

But after late-night protests and wrangling by Bahraini officials, she was awarded the win after all and finally received her medal in a delayed ceremony on Sunday.

“After the problem I had yesterday with the line I was so worried,” she said. “But my king promised me that we would get back my medal.”


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