Ese Brume has earned Team Nigeria its first medal at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Brume, who competed in the women’s long jump event final, won the bronze medal with a leap of 6.97 meters, making her the first athlete to claim an Olympic medal for Nigeria in 13 years.
Reigning world champion, Malaika Mihambo, clinched the gold medal with a 7.00m jump, followed closely by America’s Brittney Reese who finished second with 6.97m to take the silver medal.
The 25-year-old Brume was the only Nigerian athlete who reached the final of her event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, where she placed fifth with a leap of 6.81m. She also won bronze at the 2019 World Championships in Doha.
Meanwhile Nigeria’s reigning African record holder, has expressed delight at her feat.
Holding the Nigerian flag, the excited Brume couldn’t hold back her tears, NAN reported.
“Thank you Jesus and thank you all for your prayers. Thank you, thank you so much,” she said.