By Monica Iheakam
Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborodudu has opened up about the intense fears she felt after her surgery, even as she celebrates her 12th unbeaten African wrestling title.
Oborodudu, the most decorated female wrestler in Nigeria, earned her 12th African wrestling crown at the just concluded championship in Hammamet, Tunisia.
Celebrating her 12th unbeaten feat in the continent, Oborodudu via her Facebook page spoke about her fears and a myriad of emotions that almost crippled her belief in trudging on in the sport that she loved most.
Captioned ‘From scares to Gold’, Oborodudu, revealed that she had the defeated impression that she had come to her last bus stop as an athlete.
“Late last year, I underwent a surgery as a result of an injury I had picked up while wrestling (I posted a series on my recovery process then here). It was one of the most trying periods of my life as the period was to determine my fate in my wrestling career.
“The surgery was successful but then the next big challenge and question was whether I could return to the mat again. My healing process began while I was kept away from the one thing I love doing the most.
“I had my fears as situations began to present themselves through various channels, the impression that I had come to my final bus stop in my career. I battled with such reality.
However, circumstances notwithstanding, I kept the faith, I believed, I pressed on. Thanks to my friends and family that gave me amazing support and reason to believe during the period. Finally God came through and I was certified ok to return to the mat against all odds.
“Just yesterday, from my scars, I bagged another Gold in the African Championship games at Tunisia. This can only be God. He came through for me like He always does. When men thought it was my end, He made it just a bend in my race. Another win I do not take lightly. 12th time straight African Champion unbeaten.”