By Oyinlola Awonuga Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare and other well-wishers have congratulated one of Nigeria’s all-time athletics legends, Blessing Okagbare, after she announced her entry into the Guinness Book of Records as one of the hallowed names there.
The 32-year-old revealed her new feat on her Facebook page on Wednesday morning.
“A dream made reality through God’s grace and determination. Look what finally came in the mail…Thanks to the Guinness book of world records. I am indeed honored, proud and grateful.”
The record is for making the most appearances in the IAAF’s Diamond League Meetings.
The certificate reads: “The most appearances in Diamond League meetings by an athlete is 67 and was achieved by Blessing Okagbare (Nigeria) between 3 July 2010 and 31 August 2018”. The certificate was branded ‘OFFICIALLY AMAZING.’
Reacting to this on Twitter, Sunday Dare tweeted: “Congratulations to Blessing Okagbare on her Guiness World Records debut. No doubt, one of Nigeria’s finest.”
Other fans also congratulated her on the new feat with many noting that she is one of Nigeria’s brightest athlete.
Read Some Reactions:
Truly an iconic athelete, one of our brightest.@JJAkanji
@instablog9ja these are stories you should be posting to inspire young girls. Not Everytime Motivational Quotes from Runs Boys and Girls that pose as Actresses and Celebrities.@Big
Very deserving and reflective of the hard you put in.@Soweesy78
Congratulations, Blessing. More grease to your elbows, and more feathers to your glorious cap!@chessdunga
She was in imperious form last week, great feat for her.@UcheDozie3
I watched blessing right from my secondary school days. She has been consistent and keeps making us proud. Break and create all the record ma’am we are solidly behind you💪🏿💪🏿@Ossaihillary1
Okagbare, last weekend set two new personal indoor records at the Doyle Sports Management Meeting,
Previously, she had won an Olympic silver medal for Nigeria at the 2008 Games as a 19-year-old in the Long Jump.
She has also won a World Championships Silver, and is the current African Record holder in the 200m and in the 4x200m with the Nigerian team.
Okagbare is seeking a fourth Olympic Games participation with the Nigerian team in Tokyo in July.
