Thirteen-year-old swimmer, Michelle Ibidapo, representing Team Oyo and a student of The Grange School, Ikeja, secured the gold medal in the 1,500-meter women’s freestyle event at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Michelle’s rise in the national sports arena began after she was discovered at the National Youth Games in Asaba, and her recent victory at Nigeria’s premier multi-sport event underscores her swift progression through the competitive ranks.
Reflecting on her performance after the race, Michelle said, “Coming into this competition, I was focused. I had my mind on winning a medal, even though I wasn’t sure what colour. During the last lap, I reminded myself to stay focused, and by the end, it turned into gold.”
Her success at the National Sports Festival highlights the role of the Youth Games in identifying emerging talent and creating pathways for young athletes like Michelle to develop their skills and compete on larger stages.
