Veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George rolled back the years with a sensational performance at the ongoing National Sports Festival, setting a new festival record of 51.60 seconds to win the women’s 400m final on Monday evening.
Representing Cross River State, Okon-George dominated the race from start to finish, delivering her fastest time since 2018 and smashing the previous Festival Record of 51.76 seconds set by Imaobong Nse Uko. Her commanding victory also marked a significant Season’s Best (SB), reaffirming her status as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished female sprinters.
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Running from the middle lanes, the experienced national champion made her intentions clear early on, pulling away at the 200m mark and holding off the chasing pack with a powerful finish.
Happy Rasheed of Rivers State, running from lane 8, surprised many by securing silver with a strong outside run, while Lagos State’s Miracle Uwem, from the tight confines of lane 1, powered through in the final stretch to clinch bronze.
The result not only underscores Okon-George’s enduring quality but also sends a clear message ahead of upcoming international meets, including the African Championships and Olympic qualifiers.
Speaking after the race, a visibly thrilled Okon-George said, “It feels amazing to run this fast again. I’ve worked really hard this season, and breaking the record here is truly special. I dedicate this to everyone who has believed in me.”
Her emphatic win is one of the standout performances of this year’s Festival, highlighting both the depth of Nigeria’s sprint talent and the legacy of its elite athletes.
