World Athletics lists Ese Brume among athletes to watch in Paris

Athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympics will begin on August 2, at the Stade de France in Saint-Dennis, and reigning African Games and African Athletics Championships Champion, Ese Brume, has been listed among athletes to watch in women’s long jump.

Brume grabbed a bronze medal on her second appearance at the Olympics three years ago in Tokyo, Japan, after placing fifth on her debut five years earlier at Rio 2016, in Brazil.

World Athletics, in its preview of the event at the weekend, acknowledged Brume as one of the athletes to watch when long jump commences on August 6.

World Athletics had earlier ruled out the possibility of a Nigerian sprinter making the podium at the Paris Olympics.

Brume, who is African record holder may not have been considered for the title, but World Athletics is of the view that she could make positive impact in Paris.

Two athletes, defending champion, Malaika Mihambo, with a record of 7.22m and reigning world indoor champion, Tara Davis-Woodhall (7.18m), has hit at least the seven-metre mark, and are considered as favourites for the gold medal in the long jump event.

Brume, with a 6.84m personal season’s best, will be hoping she can come to form on the day to leap into history as the first Nigerian to win two individual medals at the Olympics.

On several occasions, the Delta State-born long jumper has proved she is the athlete for the big occasion by rescuing a medal for the country even when all other “top stars” had failed.

Brume has never failed to make the podium of a global and continental championships or games since 2019 until the break at the World Athletics Championships last year, in Budapest, Hungary.

In Paris, Brume will be competing alongside two other Nigerians in the event, Ruth Usoro, a world indoor finalist in 2022, and Prestina Ochonorgor.

Brume’s coach, Kayode Yahaya, who is also Prestina Ochonorgor’s coach, is expected to give Nigeria something to celebrate at the Paris Olympics.