Sydney 2000 Olympic Games gold medalist, Fidelis Gadzama, has revealed how his participation in the third edition of the African U-20 Athletics Championships held in Ibadan, Oyo State in 1997, helped to shape his career.
Gadzama, the immediate past 1st Vice President of Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), and chairman of the Security sub-committee for the fast approaching CAA U-18/U-20 Championships tagged Abeokuta 2025, stated that hosting of the championships in Nigeria, especially in the city of Abeokuta, in Ogun State, would spur more youths to embrace athletics.
At Ibadan ’97 edition of the African U-20 Championships, Gadzama put smile on faces of Nigerians by capturing the gold medal in the 400m, which helped the country to top the medals table.
Speaking with the CAA 2025 U-18/U-20 Media Committee, Gadzama said the championships will also showcase the history and culture of Abeokuta and Ogun State in particular and Nigeria at large as future stars of the continent converge in the ancient city from July 16 to 20, 2025.
He added that the competition itself exposed him to the world of track and field from where he was able to achieve a lot in his career with the height of it being an Olympian.
“There are great benefits from this competition,” he said. “And if you can remember, my athletics career started from U-20 when I won gold medal for Nigeria in the African Junior. And at the end of the day, I went to other competitions like World Athletics Championships, African Games, and today I am an Olympian.
“So, it gives a crucial beginning for young athletes to experience competitions at higher level. And it will prepare them to compete against others. It gives them the same pathway, just like what I got.
“And again, it will showcase what Ogun is all about. It will promote the culture. People from different countries will come to Ogun, and it will put Ogun on the map. Furthermore, it will also encourage young talents all over Ogun to come out and want to embrace athletics,” Gadzama stated.