Commonwealth Games: Olajide fights back tears after semi-final exit, vows to return stronger

Nigeria's Olayinka Olajide fought back tears after her Commonwealth Games 200m campaign concluded in the semi-finals on Thursday. The sprinter revealed that competing with an injury and insufficient preparation made the challenge particularly difficult.

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I’m not actually in a very perfect shape because my hand is quite disturbing me. I wanted to pull out, but I’m a type of person that doesn’t give up.

Olajide finished seventh in her semi-final heat with a time of 23.79 seconds. She admitted to journalists that she was competing through significant pain and had contemplated withdrawing from the race. "I wanted to pull out, but I’m a type of person that doesn’t give up," she stated, visibly emotional.

Reflecting on the experience, Olajide recognized the importance of listening to her body and trusting her coach's guidance. She explained that her coach in Texas had advised a full rest period, which she did not adhere to, contributing to her current physical state. "I’m going to say six out of 10. I’m not really, really okay," she confessed, though she vowed not to let the disappointment define her season.

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I started this season on a very good note. But because I didn’t listen to myself and I didn’t listen to my coach back in Texas, because he wanted me to have a full-time rest, I didn’t give myself that grace.

Furthermore, Olajide disclosed that competing in the 200m was not her initial plan for the Games. She had traveled to Glasgow expecting to focus solely on the 4x100m relay. Upon arrival, she learned she would also participate in the individual 200m event. "Because of my injury, I never prepared for the 200. I’ve always prepared for the 100 metres," she said, noting she hadn't even contested the 200m at Nigeria's national trials. Despite the challenges, she agreed to run after discussing it with her coach, who encouraged her to gain experience in an individual event.

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I’m going to say six out of 10. I’m not really, really okay. I already promised myself that I’m not going to cry about this.

Despite her semi-final exit, Olajide remains available for Nigeria's sprint relay team. Her performance, even under difficult circumstances, reflects the fighting spirit seen in Nigeria's overall campaign at the Games, where the nation has maintained its position as Africa's highest-ranked athletics team.

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They told me I was coming here to run the 4×100, so it was when we got here that they said I was going to run the 200. Because of my injury, I never prepared for the 200. I’ve always prepared for the 100 metres.