Naomi Akakpo, who competed in the 2024 Olympics in the 100m, broke her personal record on Friday, August 2. Not enough to claim a place in the semi-finals, but the Togolese continues to improve her time. She is already looking forward to even better times.
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This is what we call an intense week. On Friday, July 26, Naomi Akakpo paraded on the Seine with the delegation of Togoduring the opening ceremony of the JO 2024. For this occasion, she had the honor of being the flag bearer for her country with the triathlete Eloi Adjavon.
Seven days later, on Friday August 2, the Togolese took her first steps at the Paris Games, with the start of the 100m heats. The straight line, the main event of theAthleticsthe one that attracts all eyes. The stands of the Stade de France were full for the start of the athletics events in the famous setting of Saint-Denis, the day after the men’s and women’s 20-kilometer walks.
In a still heavy climate, a consequence of the heatwave of the last few days and the storms that broke out in the region, Naomi Akakpo made her entrance on the purple track in the preliminary round. Starting in lane no. 5, the sprinter ranked 5th in her series in 12”34. She beat her previous personal best, which was 12”39, but did not manage to rank in the top three, nor to qualify on time.
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” In the next few years, it will happen. This record will go down soon. »
It was a very smiling young woman, although eliminated, who spoke to RFI after the race. Honestly, it was incredible! The atmosphere was just crazy! “, she exclaimed. On her 100m, Naomi Akakpo, takes a critical and lucid look: ” I’m not going to lie: there’s always a little bit of disappointment, because I didn’t do what I wanted to do. But hey, it’s a record. It’s always good to take “A positive attitude despite” some physical glitches » embarrassing in recent days.
The athlete, above all a specialist in the 100m hurdles, is for the moment still far from the African 100m record held by the Ivorian Marie-Josée Ta Lou in 10”72. But don’t talk to him about limits. Limits are made to be crossed! ” she laughs. In her case, Naomi Akakpo feels capable of doing better. ” I think I am capable of running much faster. The realistic goal, with the coach, was to do in the 11”. Even 11”99, I would take. I did not manage to reach our goal, but hey, in the next few years, it will be done. I think this record will go down soon, very quickly. »
For the 23-year-old athlete, a dietician-nutritionist alongside her sporting career, these Games will remain as ” a crazy experience “. ” I never thought I would be here and experience all this. It’s a lot of emotions, I’m very grateful. ” she assures. ” Believe in yourself ” is the best advice from Naomi Akakpo, who speaks from experience: ” I wasn’t meant to be here, but I always believed in myself. I fought, fought, fought… I climbed the ladder step by step to get here. If I did it, anyone can do it. “.
Before leaving, the sprinter has a word and a promise for her compatriots: ” We are together. Really, thank you for the support. I promise that next time, I will dazzle you even more “.
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