In a moment that will live long in the memory of Nigerian athletics, 22-year-old Favour Ofili stunned the world on Saturday by breaking the women’s 150-metre world record at the Adidas Atlanta City Games. Sprinting through the heart of Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Ofili clocked an astonishing 15.85 seconds — becoming the first woman to ever run the event in under 16 seconds.
Her performance didn’t just rewrite the record books; it completely shattered the previous best of 16.23 seconds, set by Bahamian Olympic gold medallist Shaunae Miller-Uibo back in 2018.
From the starting gun, Ofili exploded with a mix of power and precision that left the crowd in awe. As she crossed the finish line, it was clear history had been made. The roar from fans wasn’t just about a win — it was about witnessing the birth of a new standard in women’s sprinting.
“This is just the beginning,” Ofili reportedly said after the race, smiling as she took in the applause. “I’ve been training hard and visualizing this moment. To execute it here, in front of such an energetic crowd, is truly special.”
But Ofili wasn’t the only Nigerian athlete turning heads in Atlanta.
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Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles, made her presence felt by finishing second in her heat with a time of 12.53 seconds, trailing American Keni Harrison (12.44s). The performance secured Amusan a place in the final and marked a significant boost as she gears up for the summer championships. It also continues her steady progression this season, following earlier races in Xiamen and Keqiao.
In the men’s sprints, Udodi Onwuzurike delivered a strong message of intent, clocking 10.20 seconds in his 100m heat — his best time this season. He finished just behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who took the heat with 10.13 seconds. Onwuzurike’s performance earned him a ticket to the final and signals a promising comeback in his 2025 campaign.
The Adidas Atlanta City Games isn’t your typical athletics meet. With its street-style setup and festival atmosphere, the event strips away stadium walls and puts fans right in the action. Athletes race through city blocks, surrounded by cheers, music, and a buzz that gives the sport a fresh edge — and Nigerian athletes seized the moment with flair.
Saturday’s showcase wasn’t just about medals and records. It was about momentum, belief, and a generation of Nigerian athletes stepping onto the global stage with fire in their legs and pride in their hearts.
And as the sun set over Atlanta, Favour Ofili stood not just as the fastest woman ever over 150 metres — but as the symbol of a rising sprinting empire.
