Olympian Ese Ukpeseraye proved her resilience on Friday, bouncing back from a disappointing loss in the 200m sprint to claim gold in the women’s 500m sprint at the ongoing Gateway Games.
Ukpeseraye, who represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, showed the grit and form that earned her a spot on the world stage, dominating the 500m event from start to finish.
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Representing Rivers State, she comfortably held off teammate Rosemary Marcus, who settled for silver, while Delta State’s Mary Samuel clinched bronze.
The victory not only marks a strong comeback after Thursday’s upset loss to teenage sprinting sensation Osaretin Godwin, but also reinforces Ukpeseraye’s focus on returning to top form after the initial set back.
“This win means a lot to her, said Ukpeseraye’s close source after the race. “The loss yesterday was tough, but its reminder to her on why she here — to compete, to grow, and to get back to her best” .
In the men’s 500m sprint, Emmanuel Gabriel Udo of Delta State powered to a convincing victory to secure gold. Rivers State’s Jude Obinna took silver, while Omoke Johnson of host state Ogun claimed the bronze.
With her first gold medal in the bag, Ukpeseraye’s performance in Abeokuta signals a determined return to form as she aims to win more medals to cement her place in Nigeria’s Cycling cycle.
