Queen of the Track: Interview with Nigerian Olympic Medalist Oludamola Osayomi

Oludamola Osayomi earned an Olympic Bronze medal as the anchor leg of Nigeria’s 100m relay team, came first place in 2007’s All-Africa Games in the 100m race and was a finalist in last year’s World Indoor Championship game.

Smart, effervescent, clever – and cute, the 22-year-old soft spoken Ekiti native is on the fast track to becoming Nigerian’s number one athlete and talks to AfricanLoft about the journey and life after the Olympics.

What was the initial attraction to track and field?
I have always been involved in one sport or another in high school. From soccer, volley ball to basketball, I ended up in track where I was encouraged to pursue it further. In 2003 I decided that I wanted to get more involved in running.

Were your parents supportive of your decision?
My dad did not like it, but my mum just wanted me to do well in school and as long as I was doing okay in class she was fine with it. My dad wanted me to be more focused in school, but he’s also very happy and proud that I got an Olympic medal.

During the race in Beijing you had an injury. What injury did you sustain?
When I was running my second run in the 100m flag, I pushed out from the block and felt a pain in my groin but I thank God I was able to perform and now doing okay.

What kept you focused to make it through?
Nobody is 100% okay and sometimes they just learn to train with injury. I had the strength to deal with it and the fact that I wanted to get a medal is what kept me going even though I was feeling very bad. I just wanted to keep going because I was this far.

What’s your mental preparation prior to a race? Do you have any good luck charms that you carry around?
My bible because I believe so much in God. I always pray before my race. If you watch every one of my races I always perform the sign of the cross. Psalm 23 provides strength in me also. My parents always used to tell me to pray and to always carry my bible.

Did you connect with any of the other Nigerian athletics?
I met some of the Nigerian footballers and we hung together and talked and I met other Nigerians competing and greeted them. We were one team and one spirit.

What was China like and what was the one thing you missed from home?
There is nothing like home and I missed home a lot. China is a very beautiful place but it’s not an English speaking country and if you want to live there you will have to learn the language. I had fun there though.

What are you currently studying?
I am studying business management as my major in North Carolina. I would like to be involved in one business or another and manage my own business.

You already have a business opportunity which is an endorsement?
Yes, I have a Nike endorsement but I am still looking for more things.

Has life changed a lot since winning the Olympic medal?
Life has changed a lot because many people now know who I am. Journalists call me and many people call to congratulate me. It seems like more people know me now than before and being a medalist is something to add to my resume and I like it as everything has worked out well.

Although you are not currently competing do you still train?
I train everyday except Sunday. I run everyday, do weights and a lot of long jogging and pushups. I work out for 3 hours a day. I have to do an hour in the gym and two hours on track.

I am sure you’re very particular with your eating habits. What are your food regiments like?
I am very particular about what I put in my body. I watch what I eat and eat a lot of vegetables and fruits and watch the carbohydrates and less fatty foods. You have to be very disciplined about what you eat and I don’t eat after 8pm. I may drink water or have a fruit.

What advice would you give others who have aspirations to become successful in track and field?
They should just try to stay focused and determined for if you don’t have determination you can’t do track and field.

Will you be competing in the London Olympics in 2012?

Yes, I will be competing in the London Olympics. My intention right now is to keep running until my legs can’t take it anymore. I pray that God will keep me alive so that I will be at the London Olympics by God’s grace.

Photo Credit: Icon Management Inc.