Nigerian high jumper, Temitope Adeshina, is setting her sights on the Paris 2024 Olympics qualification after breaking the national record at the Texas Tech Corky Classic meet of the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States last Friday, The PUNCH reports.
It was a weekend to remember for the 25-year-old, who recorded three landmarks with her 1.96m jump – breaking the Nigerian record of 1.93m (indoor) and 1.95m (outdoor), which were set by Doreen Amata in 2016 and 2008 respectively.
Her mark also became the world lead for this year, third all-time in the NCAA and second-best mark in African indoor history.
Adeshina’s jump was 0.01m shy of the Paris Olympic Games automatic qualifying standard.
“For the African Games I’m sure of competing now but the Olympics qualification is still there to take. The season is still long and I have some months to achieve that, so I’m trusting God to make that happen as well,” she told The PUNCH.
Reflecting on her record-breaking win, Adeshina credited her coach for the feat.
“My coach, Adebayo, usually says if I believe in myself, it will happen and it’s happening.
“I was so excited because I wasn’t expecting the results to come so soon. I always knew the results would come too and I am proud of my achievements so far,” she said.
Former national record holder Amata also congratulated Adeshina on Sunday.
“Congratulations my love. You will do much more than this. Let’s go above the sky Temitope Adeshina. So proud of you! Proud mama!” the 35-year-old wrote.
Adeshina’s feat comes in her second competition in the NCAA after debuting with a win by scaling the 1.83m mark last week.
She is a silver medallist at the 2022 African Championships, which was held in Mauritius. She also has two national championships which she won in 2022 and 2023.
