Ifelunwa Wins Bronze At West Africa Triathlon Championzship

Mariam Ifelunwa won bronze at the maiden edition of the West Africa Triathlon championship, which ended in Accra, Ghana at the weekend. 

The army officer who was a late inclusion in the four-man team finished third in the women’s category in her first international outing as a triathlete. The leader of the team, Perelate Gbagi finished 7th, Williams Gbekemiye finished 5^Tth while Joy Tonjor, who got injured while biking – did not finish. She has, however, recovered.

Ifelunwa who expressed happiness over her performance thanked the Nigerian Triathlon Union (NTU) for giving her the opportunity to represent the country. “I am proud to be a part of the team and winning a bronze medal has given me the conviction that I can excel in this sport.”

Gbagi stated that it was a good experience for the team and commended his teammates for their dogged performance in Accra. He also said they were all proud to have represented Nigeria at the championship and assured that they would perform better in subsequent competitions.

President of the NTU, Wale Oladunjoye said it was good exposure for the team and that younger athletes would be sourced for better training so that they can get the required skill to excel in the sport.

The Championship – 750m swim, 20k bike and five kilometre run for women and men was organised by the Ghana Triathlon Federation in conjunction with the Africa Triathlon Union (ATU).