On a day of spectacle and intense drama at the 11th All African University Games in Lagos, Turkson Osborn produced the race of his life to win the FASU 2024 men’s 400m hurdles.

The student of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana dipped the line in 53 minutes 18 seconds to pip fellow compatriot, Eric Annobil of the University for Development Studies, Ghana to Gold.

“Although the race was quite difficult for me, but because it is a challenge I spent a lot of time preparing for, I am glad it all paid off. I won, and that’s what matters,” Osborn shared his experience after winning Gold.

Osborn came into the race with the 2023/24 academic session in his institution coming to a close. Notably,

Osborn revealed that education alongside sports was once an oxymoronic phenomenon as athletes do not have a reputation for intelligence.

However, some athletes have proven that they have brains on top of their talents, and Osborn falls within this spectrum as the athlete revealed the difficulty that comes with pursuing both spheres, rather than compromising one for the other.

“It’s been tough, very difficult because I do not wish to sacrifice any. I want to excel in both, but it comes with many challenges of its own,” he said.

And Osborn showed supreme speed and determination to claim victory, still on his said decision, the athlete revealed his everyday challenge on his path towards claiming gold in Lagos, and as part of his journey towards making a name for himself in the sport.

“For me, it hasn’t been all easy charting this path. I leave home for training at 5 am and I won’t return until 9 am, and sometimes 10 am, all on track, training with my coach. Everything I have done has not been easy, but it’s all part of the game,” he narrated his experience.

Speaking on the famous Jollof rice debate, the athlete was quick to give his verdict, sticking with Ghanian Jollof rice being the best.

Written by Mahbubat Salahudeen, Media Volunteer