OLYMPIC FALL OUT: A tale of an amazing 7year old Swimming Kid

Written by Amos Joseph

Despite the fact that swimming is a fun and healthy activity for everyone, it was never my game but occasionally, I go out to enjoy myself at a popular swimming pool around my neighbourhood, owing to the fact that it is one of the most visited relaxation and fun site around. Although it was fun, but i later realized that i go to the pool just for the rave of the moment.

Every time i called at the swimming pool, i noticed a particular kid who’s not even a teenager. Her swimming skill is amazing and quite fascinating. I’m not a good swimmer but i appreciate those with the talent and skills.

Of course, the Hotel provided a  small-sized (children) section but this kid goes back and Forth on different strokes reaching the Length and the breadth of the standard (adult) swimming pool. One need not to be told that she has undergone some swimming lessons. Little wonder whenever she’s in the water someone is always on the touchlines to dish out instructions to her on her movement.

After all i only come to the swimming pool for fun, watching her exhibiting her skills was never a waste of time.

Although for some time, i haven't been to the spot since there was no festival to propel my movement.

Meanwhile, the feat attained by China and the United States of America in swimming at the recently concluded London 2012 Olympic games has further proven that age has little or nothing to do with capabilities.

Watching the swimming event in the Olympics brought back the memory of the wonder kid as the world saw 15 and 16year old teenagers win Gold medals. It was surprising at the same time inspiring. Anyone in his right thinking would acknowledge that these countries have done something special to have had such a confidence to present teenagers to be paired against adults.

Favour @age Two

Back home, we have kids like Favour Naomi Oke who’s only seven years old and has such a talent that can mesmerize the world and win medals.  She started swimming when she was two years old, participated in the Lagos State Under-age Swimming competition and DR E.I.P Ebozie swimming competition both in 2010 against older teenagers.

From her performance at both competitions, she attracted various authorities (State and Individuals) with promises ranging from scholarship and training aid, all yet to be fulfilled. Over time, She has been under the tutelage of her biological father who manages the swimming pool section of the hotel. Favour and her father are hopeful of her career.

Although Nigeria did not participate in swimming event at the London Olympic games, the nation could not win a single medal in all event and according to records, it was the worst experience since the inception of the games.

Whenever the country fails in any major exhibition, the usual phrase ‘drawing board’ becomes the song. It is often said that anyone who fails to plan, plans to fail. We cannot continue to neglect grassroots development and expect medals to roll in.

Imagine the teenagers that won medals, lets imagine when they started preparing. If only our nation provides the right environment like state of the art training facilities, proper funding and administration of our sports may be talents won’t rust away unharnessed.

There will be many other kids like Favour Naomi Oke around Nigeria waiting to become potential athletes and medal winners at the world stage. Are we still going to fold our hands and watch?  

2012/2013 Season: Who's Battle and Title ready

Writer: Amos Joseph

It’s no news that the new 2012/2013 major European League season has started. For the English Premier League and the La Liga, the match Day 1 over the weekend saw some intriguing and shocking results.

For many, it’s not surprising when average teams wallop or be a bone in the neck to potential title contenders who must have had major changes in their squads for the new season and hoping to have a blend as the league progresses.

Wide goal margins, impressive new signings, new EPL arrivals proving their mettle, disgruntled fans, obvious absence of key players that made a switch, same of the same like last season, Champions showing why they are champions, spectaculars goals as usual all characterized the match day one except for the Manchester United vs Everton match which is a potential spectacle also.

In the La Liga, it’s about record, rivalry, and then Cat & Mouse chase in the games.

Fisayo Dairo, a Sports Analyst cum Presenter concludes “it is Difficult to say...We still go with the bookmakers' choice... Man Utd and City are the obvious contenders. Chelsea today had NO BENCH so, it will maybe take 2 more signings”.

On the La Liga he said “Errr, Everly Real Madrid drew today...bad signs. You cant afford to give Barcelona the chance to have their noses in front".

Also, Mark Balogun, a football enthusiast and fan, “The Chelsea game was good, Hazard and Oscar proved their worth, they’ll be players to watch out for this season. For Manchester City, ruthless as ever when attacking but shaky defense. Good start for Southampton if they can maintain the momentum”

It is obvious that the last season champions are still the contenders in the EPL while in the La Liga the Horse race will be determined by consistency.

Manchester United adds RVP to it's Arsenal

English Premier League heavy weight, Manchester United have completed the signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal on a four year deal contract worth £24 Million (£200,000 per week)

The addition of the Dutch man to United strike force is no doubt a boost for the club owing to the qualities he possesses. He scored 30 goals for Arsenal last season and am sure he needs no further introduction as to his capabilities.

ESPN Soccernet.com reports that, Van Persie, 29, ends an eight-year association with the Gunners after growing frustrated with the club's direction, having won only the Community Shield and the FA Cup during his time in North London.

Obviously, the young man wants to win trophies and this is the right time for him to make such a move. The major reason he refused to sign a new contract with Arsenal. For some frustrated fans who might not have wnated RVP to go, it is greed, for realist; ambition.

Business-wise, Arsenal FC have pocketed a fortune from this deal just like every other top class player that has left for greener pasture.

For fans and supporters of Manchester United, hurray! Let the fun begin and hope it continues, that is, if the player stays fit and replicate his last season form. For Arsenal faithfuls, it's time to move on as usual.

How much are Olympic Medals actually worth?

Sure you want to know why every country and athletes are “medal-hungry”. According to CBS News The medals handed out at the London 2012 Summer Olympics are largest ever in both size and weight. They are more than twice the size of the medals that were awarded in Beijing in 2008 and are the biggest ever designed. But how much are they actually worth?

To the athletes, the medals are priceless, but some of the medals are worth less than $5, CBS Detroit station WOMC- reports.
By their worth, that's strictly their raw material cost, not the fact that these are Olympic medals.

The gold medal consists of just over 1 percent actual gold. The rest is made up of 92.5 percent silver and 6.16 percent copper - and is only worth about $644.

The silver medal is a modification of the gold medal. The gold is replaced with more copper, making the medal worth around $330.

The bronze medal is made of 97 percent copper, 2.5 percent zinc and 0.5 percent tin - and is only worth about $4.70.
For the winners good news but for those who failed to win a medal like Nigeria….sorry.