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?