Blessing Okagbare, The Fastest Woman in Africa, Features in Nike’s #AfricaSoFast Campaign.

Blessing Okagbare Nike


World-class sprinter and long jumper Blessing Okagbare, aka The Fastest Woman in Africa, was recently featured by NIKE as part of the brand’s #AfricaSoFast campaign.

Okagbare who holds the Women’s 100 meters Commonwealth Games record for the fastest time at 10.85 seconds, spoke about the power of perseverance and setting goals.

“Growing up I was very skinny and someone told me that I could never do sports because I was too soft and fragile,” says Okagbare. “I didn’t let it get to me. I pushed through and became a jumper. Then, I set a new goal to be a runner. It’s all about setting goals and keeping your mind set on those goals. Don’t ever give up on yourself.”

The elite athlete, who established a new personal best of 10.92 s in the 100 meters semi-final, but placed eighth in the final with a run of 11.01 s at the 2012 Olympics in London, has her eyes set on Rio in 2016. Earlier this year, it was announced that the Nigeria Olympic Committee had awarded Okagbare with an Olympic Scholarship.


Blessing Okagbare Nike

Blessing Okagbare Nike