Long jumper, Ese Brume, hopes a gold rush by Nigeria’s women at the just-ended 2022 Commonwealth Games will inspire girls in the country to take up sports.
The 26-year-old reclaimed her long jump title Sunday, on a day when Tobi Amusan won 100m hurdles gold and they also triumphed in the women’s 4x100m relay.
That took Nigeria’s Games tally to 12 gold medals, making them Africa’s top performers in Birmingham, England and their best outing ever at the championships.
“I know this will be an inspiration for them (young girls),” Brume told BBC Sport Africa.
“Of course, when you see someone you look up to doing well, you want to definitely be like them. So this is going to motivate and inspire them. I hope it works.”
Three-time African champion Brume set a new Games record with a leap of 7.00m to win, adding a second Commonwealth gold to the one she claimed in Glasgow eight years ago.
After two jumps of 6.99m and one of 6.96m – which would all have been enough to secure top spot on the podium – Brume said her record jump demonstrated her consistency in her discipline.
“This is one thing I really wanted – to get the Games record,” she added.
“This is special for me, because it shows consistency. It shows the hard work of all those that have supported me, and my coach who has been backing me up.
“Sometimes it’s about how you’re able to show that what you’re doing is not a fluke.”
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