Aiyedun Adams

Though Aiyedun Adams came third to win bronze medal in the 5,000m race at the just concluded Eko Athletics Grand Prix, the zeal exhibited by the 12-year-old athlete received a loud ovation from the crowd at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

With her third position in 22:01:02 secs. and her age, Adams of Splendour Athletics Club, beat older athletes whose ages range between 18 and 19 years. The likes of Olasupo Oladimeji and Ademola Modupe, who came fourth and fifth in 22:52:09 secs. and 23:14:62 secs. respectively trailed the teenager to the finished point.

In the first position was 19-year-old Olamide Oluwaseun who finished the race at a time of 18:20:59 secs., while Efe Agofure, 18, came second at a time of 18:20:70 secs.

Adams, a JSS 3 student of Igbobi Junior High School told journalists that she was not afraid of the older athletes in the beginning of the race, adding that she was able to achieve the feat with determination, having gone through serious training from her coach.

She said her ambition is to represent Lagos State and Nigeria in 5,000m race, which she wants to specialise on in future local and international tournaments.