Faith Obiora will be making her second appearance at the Paralympic Games in Brazil and the mother of one is optimistic that this second outing would not be without any laurel.
The 2010 Commonwealth bronze medalist is the only woman among the three athletes representing Nigeria in the table tennis event of the Rio Paralympic Games in Brazil.
“I must admit that it was not easy qualifying for the Paralympic Games in Morocco but I think I worked hard for the qualification. I was at the London 2012 Paralympic Games where I made it to the quarterfinal. This time around I don’t want to participate alone but return home with a medal in my event,” she said.
The class four category athlete however, described Paralympic Games as the biggest sporting event in the world, which every athlete would love to feature in, while acknowledging that being her second appearance she would be hoping to make it fruitful.
Apart from being an athlete, Obiora is also a coach and umpire which, she said has kept her glue to the sport. “I don’t think I cannot do any sports outside table tennis. Apart from the fame I have gotten from playing the game, it has brought a lot of good tiding to me. I met my husband through the sport and God has blessed me with a lovely kid. I must also admit that it has not been easy for me but I must thank my husband who has been supportive.
“I could remember that my baby was just 10months old when I went to US Open in 2013 but my husband baby-sit him and even while I go for training he has always been there for me. I will remain grateful to him with all his support for me and this is what has kept me going in the sport that I have a supportive husband,” she added.
The athlete who suffered polio early in life believes she would make it to the podium in Brazil.