On Thursday, former sprint queen Blessing Okagbare marked what she calls her “Best Birthday Ever” – her 37th birthday celebrated with her first child, Oreofe.
Okagbare shared heartwarming photos of them in matching outfits as she reflected on gratitude: “Lord, you have always done it for me.” For someone who has carried Nigeria’s hopes on countless international stages, this moment holds so dear to her. She now celebrates not only years lived, but also motherhood.
Athletics highs and the queenship of the track
Blessing’s athletic achievements are many and remarkable. Born on October 9, 1988, she rose to international fame through her blend of speed, power, and versatility. She not only found success in the sprints but also in the long jump.
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Some of her crowning moments:
- 2008 Olympics silver in the long jump (Beijing) when she was just 19.
- Dominant performances in the 2010 African Championships: gold in both the long jump and 100m.
- Setting the African record in the 200m, running 22.04 seconds in 2018.
- Holding the Commonwealth Games record in the women’s 100m (10.85s) and staying among Africa’s fastest through much of the 2010s.
The shadow of a scandal
No life of brilliance is without its shadows. In 2022, Blessing Okagbare was handed a 10-year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for multiple anti-doping violations—specifically, for prohibited substances and also for refusing to cooperate with the investigation.
A new chapter
Now, celebrating motherhood and years beyond her peak competitive years, Blessing appears focused on peace and presence. While her name is forever written among Nigeria’s greats in track and field, the gratitude she expresses today speaks to fact that there is life outside the track and that life can also bring fulfillment.
Tags: Blessing Okagbare, 37th birthday, first child, Oreofe, Athletics, Long jump, Athletics Integrity Unit, AIU.
