When the Williams sisters (Venus and Serena) broke into limelight long ago, they kept a record for sibling supremacy in sports – conquering the tennis court on arrival – that we said to ourselves, we will never see their likes again in any athletic discipline.
But, a similar scenario has been witnessed as the National Sports Festival in Benin, Edo State ends today. Two sisters, Ifiezegbe and Doutimi Gagbe from team Bayelsa held sway at the swimming events. Both contributed 25 medals to the total of 124 won by the state – to place third on the table.
Ifiezegbe, the older sister emerged as the most decorated athlete of the 20th edition, carting away 15 medals. Meanwhile, Doutimi was able to win 10 medals which include two GOLD, two Silver, and four Bronze.
Despite not achieving the same feat as her sister, Doutimi revealed that her sibling is a source of inspiration to her.
“My older sister (Ifiezegbe) pushed me a lot and my sport mum who would come to our house and make sure that I attended trainings. I’m grateful for my coach and elder sister too who both motivated me all through the time, they really helped me with my confidence”, Doutimi told reporters.
Ifiezegbe created new records in 100m Freestyle, 400m individual medley, 1500m freestyle, 200m freestyle, and 400m freestyle at this year’s edition – a feat she is undoubtedly proud of as she recalled her last loot of 11 Silver medals at the 19th Sports Festival in Abuja.
She won eight gold, two silver, and five bronze medals in the aquatic events.
“I’m so happy this time to win GOLD medals. They did me strong thing in Abuja, where I won 11 Silver medals with no GOLD medal. This time, I precisely trained very hard so that I can win all the GOLD medals and I’m so happy this is happening. I’m grateful to God and my coach because it is not easy”.
The 20th NSF, which had suffered several postponements, will finally come to an end as the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is expected to declare the games closed on Wednesday.
