The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris delivered another blow to Nigeria’s track and field aspirations on Thursday as the women’s long jump event concluded without any medals for the country.
Despite high hopes, Nigerian athletes Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor struggled to secure podium finishes in a highly competitive final.
Ese Brume, who had previously captured a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was among the frontrunners.
However, her best leap of 6.70 meters only earned her a 5th-place finish.
The performance was a far cry from her previous success, leaving Brume and her supporters disheartened.
Ruth Usoro and Prestina Ochonogor, representing Nigeria alongside Brume, also faced challenges in the final.
Usoro’s jump of 6.58 meters placed her 10th, while Ochonogor, with a distance of 6.24 meters, ended up 12th.
Their performances, though commendable, were not enough to elevate them into the top ranks.
The gold medal in the women’s long jump went to Tara Davis-Woodhall of the United States, who achieved a remarkable distance of 7.10 meters.
Davis-Woodhall’s leap was the highlight of the event, showcasing her exceptional ability and athleticism.
Germany’s Malaika Mihambo claimed the silver medal with a jump of 6.98 meters, demonstrating her strong form and consistency.
The bronze medal was secured by Jasmine Moore of the United States, who managed a jump of 6.96 meters, rounding out the top three with a solid performance.
Despite the high level of competition and the impressive achievements of the medallists, the results were a bitter disappointment for the Nigerian contingent.
The absence of medals in the women’s long jump event underscored the challenges faced by Nigerian athletes at this year’s Games, highlighting the fierce competition on the global stage.
