Nigerian Athlete, Simidele Adeagbo Makes History At The IBSF World Championships
Simidele Adeagbo puts Nigeria on the world map at the IBSF World Championships.
Nigerian Olympian Simidele Adeagbo has made history as the first African athlete to compete in bobsleigh at the IBSF World Championships since it was established over 100 years ago.
The 42-year-old skeleton racer broke the record over the weekend at the 2024 BMW IBSF World Championship in Winterburg, Germany, where she finished in the top 20 in her World Championships debut. She also inked Nigeria’s name in history books as the first African nation to be represented in bobsleigh at a World Championship.
Bobsleigh is not a dominant sport in Africa yet, as it is a team winter sport where timed runs are made on a gravity-powered sledge down small, winding, banked, icy tracks.
Born in Canada to Nigerian parents, Adeagbo has been doing so well to elevate Nigeria’s representation in the sport.
In 2018, she finished 20th at the Winter Olympics in South Korea, becoming Nigeria’s and Africa’s first female skeleton athlete.
Also, in 2022, Adeagbo became the first African athlete to win an international sledge race after she clinched the women’s mono bob event at the EuroCup.
Speaking of her feat, she said:
Reflecting on one of my proudest moments from making history @ the IBSF World Champs. After a shaky 1st run, I bounced back with a strong 2nd run, shattering my PB. This proud moment shows the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. No matter what…Naija no dey give up!
Reflecting on one of my proudest moments from making history @ the IBSF World Champs. After a shaky 1st run, I bounced back with a strong 2nd run, shattering my PB. This proud moment shows the indomitable spirit of Nigerians. No matter what…Naija no dey give up! 🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/aA4bTUYZQf
— Simidele Adeagbo (@SimiSleighs) February 28, 2024