Okagbere’s New 100m Record Excites Iheagwam

A former national sprinter, Tina Iheagwam,  has commended Blessing Okagbare’s recent feat at the just concluded London Diamond League where she won the 100m event.

Iheagwam told newsmen  in Lagos that Okagbare’s performance, at the July 13 to July 15 meet in London; was worth celebrating.

Blessing Okagbare came first with a returning time of 11.01, ahead of Carmelita Jeter who came second with a time 11.03 and Tianna Madison came third by 11.13

“I am happy that Blessing won at the Diamond League because this is a sign that we will do well in the 100 metres of the 2012 Olympics Athletics event, ‘’ she said.

Iheagwam also urged Okagbare to be more focused and save her best performance for the main event at the forthcoming London Olympic Games.

“Now that Blessing has defeated the world fastest women in 100m, I bet you that Jeter, Fraser-Pryce will want to avenge their loss at the London Olympics.

“I believe that Blessing is talented and would hopefully move on to perform better at the Olympics but she needs to be focused and not allow her recent success to get into her head.

“I know that those she defeated will be restrategising and she has to also consolidate on her performance to prove that her victory was not a fluke.

Iheagwam, who won a gold medal at the World Junior Athletics Championships in Greece in 1986, urged Okagbare to put aside any form of anxiety that could blight her preparations for the Games.

“I urge Blessing not to relent in her effort; this is not the time to unduly stress herself.

“ This is not the time to be anxious because the world is watching and I know Nigerians are praying for her,” she said.