It’s going to be a clash of the titans in the women’s 400m at the forthcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)/ Cross River state All-Nigeria Athletics Championship as home girl, Patience Okon George, says she is set to dethrone US-based rival, Regina George, as the national champion over the event.
Okon George who competes for hosts, Cross River, will be competing on home soil and will definitely enjoy the backing of fans that will throng the U. J. Esuene Stadium to watch the national trials.
The athlete, who ran the anchor leg of the women’s 4x400m bronze-medal winning team, which also included George, at the inaugural IAAF World Relays in Bahamas, said she was going to give her all to emerge national champion.
She signaled her readiness with a victory in the Premium event of the CAA Grand Prix which took place in Warri, Delta state over the weekend where she returned a time of 51.29 secs.
Compatriots Folashade Abugan (51.32 secs) and Omolara Omotosho (51.61 secs) followed in second and third positions, respectively, while Kineke Alaxander of St Vincent placed fourth with 51.78secs.
She said: “I felt very happy about winning the race because that was what I prayed for. I know that there will be a full house for the All-Nigeria Championships and the likes of Regina George will be there, but that will not be a problem because I’m still going to put in my best to get a good result. So, I hope to defeat my opponents.”
The quarter-miler who was thrilled about winning a bronze medal in the Bahamas is also hopeful of getting to the podium at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month.
“I was very happy that we were able to pick a bronze medal because running the anchor leg is not easy, but you have to be very careful in order not to get beaten by the athlete behind you. We also hope to win gold in the 4x400m race in Glasgow,” she added.
