Temitope Adeshina, Nigeria’s national record holder in the women’s high jump, made history yesterday by becoming the first Nigerian to win a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) title in the high jump event.
Adeshina, who represents Texas Tech, secured the title with a new season’s best of 1.94m at the NCAA indoor championships, held at the Virginia Beach Sports Centre, Virginia, USA.
The 26-year-old Lagos-born athlete finished joint-top with Elena Kulichenko, and both athletes opted not to go for a jump-off, thereby sharing the title and pushing former champion Rachel Glenn down to third.
This year’s win is a significant improvement for Adeshina, who finished fourth in the event last year. Her breakthrough came in 2022 when she won the Nigerian national title and qualified for the African Championships.
Adeshina has been in impressive form, winning her second consecutive national title last year and representing Nigeria at the African Championships and the Paris Olympics. She became the first Nigerian jumper to qualify for the Olympics since Doreen Amata in 2016.
Last year, Adeshina set new Nigerian indoor and outdoor records with a jump of 1.96m at the Texas Tech Corky Classic meet. The previous records of 1.93m (indoor) and 1.95m (outdoor) were set by Amata in 2016 and 2008, respectively.
Adeshina is a two-time silver medalist at the African Championships. Her NCAA title win is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Adeshina’s achievement is a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics, and her success is expected to inspire a new generation of Nigerian athletes to pursue their dreams in the sport. Her dedication and perseverance serve as a testament to the rewards of hard work and determination.
As Adeshina continues to soar to new heights in her athletic career, she remains committed to representing Nigeria on the global stage. Her NCAA title win is a proud moment for Nigeria, and her achievement will undoubtedly be celebrated by fans and supporters across the country.
With her sights set on future competitions, Adeshina is poised to continue making waves in the world of athletics. Her remarkable talent, combined with her dedication and passion for the sport, make her a formidable force to be reckoned with.