It feels good being an Olympic gold medalist, Chuwkwu

By Ben Efe

Sydney 2000 Olympics newly crowned gold medalist, Clement Chukwu has described the awarding of the 4x400m relay gold to Nigeria by the International Olympics Committee as the best thing that has happened to Nigeria sports and he hoped that it will inspire Nigeria to better performances in future games.

Chukwu a member of the heroic Nigeria 4x400m quartet added that Nigerian officials should administer the sport with greater commitment if they desire to see Nigeria go back to the glory days.  “It feels good getting the gold at last.  There is no doubt that Nigeria is blessed with many talents.

GOLDEN QUARTET! Nigeria’s 4x400m relay team to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games rejoice after picking the silver medal behind drug tainted USA team. The gold medal has been restored and Clement Chukwu is excited about it.

“However, these talents have been mismanaged by few greedy officials. People with good intention  should be allowed to come in and move the sport forward.

“I sincerely believe we can get or even surpass previous levels reached in Track and Field with the right people in place,” Chukwu said.

Jude Money, Clement Chukwu, late Sunday Bada and Enefiok Odo-Obong put up a display that fetched Nigeria the silver in the race won by  the American quarter featuring 400m world record holder Michael Johnson. But when it emerged that late Antonio Pettigrew, took performance enhancing drugs, the IOC strip the USA of the gold and elevated Nigeria.

Members of the team were asked to return their medals, before they could get their gold. It is only Odo-Obong that has complied.

“I spoke to IOC represent-ative and I have been given the go ahead to mail the silver medal directly to IOC. I also have contacted Awazie and Gadzama. I have also spoken to Monye, his case is unique and I think he should be in position to decide what to do.”