Matthew Dean catches up with UEL sprinter Omolou Abiodun as he prepares to fight for a place in Team GB ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
‘Ambitious and determined’ are terms quite often overused in sports, but these words resonate with this young Omolou Abiodun. He’s proud to represent his nation and wears the red, white and blue with pride and joy. A modest man, but a real people’s person with a huge talent on the track.
Born on September 1st 1992 to Nigerian migrant parents, Omololu Abiodun, or simply ‘Lolu’ as he’s known on the track, is the eldest of two brothers, who both yearn for sporting success for their nation. ‘Lolu’, in his own words: “Aims to work hard to win an Olympic and World gold medals; that’s the main goal.”
Currently coached by former Olympian Gladys Bird, Abiodun is training hard for a place in Team GB to represent his nation at the Rio 2016 Olympics. He won a sliver medal at the British Athletics Championships and won 200m gold medals at both BUCS indoor and outdoor championships earlier this year, as well as a team relay medal representing the University of East London.
He said: “I was always quick from young and I always wanted to improve my speed to be the best, when I was younger I was always tired of being second best.”
Abiodun began participating in athletics during his early school years at Chingford Hall Primary School. He said: “I loved to run and played various sports in school such as football, athletics and long jump; and always challenged the other kids.” He represented his school and borough at the UK Sport Hall Games, winning several races.
He also took part in a sporting event for the gifted-and-talented children, which honed his focus on athletics. He later joined Eton Manor AC, before finally moving to Woodford Green Athletics Club.
The 23-year-old remembered watching Darren Campbell win silver in the the 200m finals at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Game and bronze in the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester: “Darren inspired me, [I] always wanted to meet him and be as good as him one day. I had the opportunity to meet him and also met Jade Johnson who gave me great tips regarding long jump and Phillip Idowu with some tips on how to triple jump.”
Abiodun was nominated for the ‘Jack Petchey Achievement Award’ by both his peers and staff for outstanding sportsmanship – a scheme reward that enables schools and youth organisations to celebrate the achievements of their young people as well as receive additional funding.
Upon winning, Abiodun donated the prize money to his school to help students with learning difficulties. “I did it because I want to help young people raise their aspirations, believe in themselves and make a contribution to society in a positive way.”
Abiodun has the ability to involve everyone when he is taking part in sport including those less able students. His peers describe him as kind and considerate and one with a great sense of humour.
His younger brother, Olaolu Abiodun, also makes up part of his training group: “I love training with him and he makes me work very hard. No one likes being beaten by his/her younger siblings. My brother has the potential to perform well especially when challenged. I really owe it to him and my group for their dedication and challenge during training, which helps to improve my performance all the time.”
Speaking of his working relationship with his coach, Gladys Bird, he said: “I truly think I am very lucky to be one of her athletes. She lets you know when you have improved and how best to further improve performances. She always makes time for athletes. No matter how big the group is, Gladys supports everyone equally.”
After an impressive 2015 season, his goals for the year ahead include earning a coveted Team GB selection place and participating at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing. He’s also striving to run a sub 21 seconds 200m which would defintitely put him on the map: “This would introduce me as an up and coming athlete for UK athletics. I also hope to participate in the International European outdoors circuit.”