Troughs and Crests of the Olympics

By OMOSEYE BOLAJI

There is no running away from the fact that Nigeria’s recent participation at the 2012 London Olympics was an unmitigated disaster. The only “consolation” is that the word “participation” is apt; at least the country was represented – even though the contingent could not garner even one paltry bronze medal whilst representing a nation of over 100 million people!


Yet some might argue that the Olympics is the acme of global participation; it is not a kids’ jaunt...participants are up against the very best in the world; hence to haul in any medal is very difficult indeed. But then, this must be set against the backdrop of just one country, USA winning over 40 gold medals! With China, and Britain (hosts) not very much far behind. Jamaica is a very small country of just a few millions, yet with magisterial Usain Bolt to the fore, the country harvested a number of gold medals, never mind silver and bronze.

And yes, Africa as a whole did dismally at the Olympics – as usual, really. Apart from the usual intermittent athletic medal hauls for Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda (very last day of athletics), hardly any African country came into the picture. West Africa as a whole (with some 15 countries) might as well not have travelled to the Olympics! So bleak was the picture.

South Africa was by far the best performer from the continent at the Olympics; and I must confess that I had some vicarious pleasure in seeing the country winning three gold medals, two silvers, and a bronze medal. I even published features on these achievements. But more about of this later – let’s revisit how Nigeria won NOTHING at the latest Olympics

No wonder, countless millions of Nigerians back at home and those dotted in other places around the world have been debating what could have precipitated such a disaster. Apart from the usual “fire brigade” approach, mismanagement, poor planning etc; others have pointed to the fact that even from the very grassroots, outstanding talent is hardly emerging these days; with the inter-house (school) sports that was so competitive and eagerly anticipated years ago now attenuated and peripheral. The fact that some Nigerian sportsmen are even turning out for other (richer) countries has worsened matters.

Yet perhaps it is not a doomsday scenario. Was it not the same Nigeria that had done so brilliantly in the most popular sport at the Olympics – football? In 1996, the country created history by becoming the first African country to win the Olympic gold for football. Just four years ago in China, Nigeria again got to the final, and walked away with the silver. A commendable feat when we remember that Brazil, generally believed to be the best football country in the world, has NEVER won the Olympic gold medal for football. But then again, maybe it is ominous that the Nigerian football squad did not even qualify for the Olympics this year.

Yet it was not so long ago when Nigeria produced some of the most thrilling sprint runners in the world, epitomised by the magnificent Mary Onyali who literally ran her heart out for the country for many years. Even at the latest Olympics especially in the 4 by 400 metres relay, Nigeria showed glimpses of talent. With Jamaica and USA in particular dominating the short distances it would take some sort of miracle for African countries to really challenge...but do not let us give in to despair. Maybe another Frank Fredericks is around the corner?

The polemics will continue over how Nigeria can turn around their sporting fortunes at the highest level; meanwhile South Africa was reasonably satisfied with their medals haul at the latest Olympics. Not surprisingly, all the three gold medals (most of the medals, actually) came from “white sports” like swimming and rowing. These are sports very unpopular or even non-existent in west African countries. Maybe some Nigerians still remember Valerie Oloyede and her swimming prowess many years ago – but she was a rarity indeed. Anyway, two white South Africans: Cameron van der Burgh and Chad le Clos won gold medals, and became overnight celebrities.

But the truth is that virtually all the Black people who are by far the majority in South Africa were more focused on the exploits of the remarkable Caster Semenya whom many expected to win a gold medal in the 800 metres. The girl won silver – a superb achievement at the Olympics, yet millions still felt a whiff of disappointment; they had wanted gold! Silver at Olympics’ athletics! Imagine how she would have been worshipped if she was a Nigerian or Ghanaian...
PHOTOS (Top) : Caster Semenya; middle - Mary Onyali