By Olayinka Owolewa/Joy Akinsanya

Kolade Otunla, representing Ogun, may have shattered the National Sports Festival record in the men’s 100m backstroke event.

Otunla’s impressive time of 1:02.41 seconds not only secured the gold medal but also broke the previous record set by Ebarakumo Dino of Rivers in 2018, which stood at 1:04.61 seconds.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to set the record straight, Chinoye Aliyu, President, Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAF), said she will confirm the new record with the technical committee of the federation on Thursday.

Otunla attributed his success to hard work and his coach’s guidance.

“I wish to be the Olympic champion, and I am working towards it,” Otunla said in a post-event interview.

“Swimming is not about rushing or breaking out so hard. Just make sure you stay on your pace,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Omolola Tobiloba won gold in the women’s 800m freestyle event with a time of 10:22:32sec, marking Ogun’s first-ever gold medal in swimming.

Tobiloba’s victory becomes the first ever gold medal for the state in swimming events.

While Tobiloba won the gold medal, Dorcas Oka of Team Bayelsa came second with a time of 10:58:50sec, just as Deborah Opochini of Delta State won bronze with a time of 11:04:85sec.

Team Lagos’s Oluwatobiloba Nedd took the fourth position with a time of 12.05.70sec, while Tofunmi Ibidapo of Team Oyo finished fifth with a time of 12:21:40sec. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh