Omolola Tobiloba Akinsanmi, a 15-year-old swimming prodigy from Ogun State, has emerged as the standout star of the 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024, currently underway in Abeokuta.
Akinsanmi stunned spectators and officials alike by clinching three gold medals and one bronze, while breaking two long-standing national records firmly establishing herself as one of Nigeria’s brightest young sporting talents.
Read Also: OGUN 2025: Ololade Adeyemi Shines With 5 Gold Medals as Ogun State Wins Dart Event
Her golden streak began with a win in the 200m backstroke, before delivering a jaw-dropping performance in the 400m freestyle, clocking 4:53.24 to surpass the national and festival record of 4:59.90 previously held by Ifuezibe Gagbe since 2007.
She went on to break yet another record in the 800m freestyle, finishing in 10:22.32.
Speaking with Sports247 after her medal presentation on Friday, an elated Akinsanmi expressed both pride and humility.
“The feeling is amazing. It’s the result of a lot of practice and motivating myself constantly,” she said. “It’s a real competition—I’m racing against swimmers who are over 20 years old. I feel very challenged, but I push myself.”
Looking ahead, she shared her ambitions to compete internationally:
“I’ll be going for more competitions, hopefully in other countries, till December.”
Despite her dominance in the pool, the teenager acknowledged the hurdles she faces as a young athlete in a high-stakes environment.
“It’s not easy—I can tell you that. It’s a lot of practice. But when you have a lot of support behind you, it helps even more.”
With her awe-inspiring performances and a maturity beyond her years, Omolola Tobiloba Akinsanmi is making waves not just in the pool, but across the nation, proving that the future of Nigerian swimming is in capable hands.
