Ronke Akanbi came into international athletics limelight in 2022, when she won the 3000m event of the 19th International School Sport Federation Gymnasiade in Normandy, France.
She ran 9.36 .86 secs to break a 33-year-old national record of 9:41.28 held by Itsemhike Anwalimhobor. She erased her own record with 9.34.52 in 2023 during an Athletics Federation of Nigeria All Comers meet in Kaduna.
Now has set her sights on achieving much greater things in track with an aim to win a world title in her favourite event 1500m.
After competing in the CAA region 2 Championships in Accra, Ghana where she posted a 4.23.18 secs season’s best and won the gold, Akanbi disclosed that it is her strong desire to dominate Africa and world athletics in the event.
Now 19, Akanbi a student of Yewa College, Ilaro, Ogun State had a taste of competition from the much vast Kenya and Ethiopian runners at the African Games in March she finished in the top nine with a time of 4.25.42secs.
“I know I can be a world champion, if I work hard at it and get all the support that I need,” said Akanbi.
“The only difference between us and the East African runners is the training and the correct diet. If get that I would be competitive as they are.
“But I can’t afford to get all the things I need to get myself to the world level. I came from a remote village in Ogun State and my dad is very old now.
“I’m lucky to have scholarship for my school, but it is very hard to get funds to take care of my personal needs.”
With a personal best of 4.20.73secs in the 1500m and 10.22.85 in the 3000m steeplechase, Akanbi and many other long distance athletes are worth investing on if Nigeria is to break the monopoly of Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.
Perhaps Ogun State that has produced great athletes like Falilat Ogunkoya 49.10 secs African record holder in Women’s 400m and Tobi Amusan 12.12secs world record holder in Women’s 100m hurdles, should pay attention to young Akanbi. The government and sports enthusiasts in the State, need to rally support for a naturally endowed Akanbi to achieve her dreams.
