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Tag: WISDOM OKANLAWON

  • Teenage fencer Okanlawon upbeat about China high-performance camp

    Teenage fencer Okanlawon upbeat about China high-performance camp

    Wisdom Okanlawon, Nigerian fencer prodigy is looking forward to joining other up and coming talents at the high-performance training camp in Wuxi-China.  Okanlawon was among five athletes chosen from Africa by the the International Fencing Federation (FIE) to attend a high-performance training camp and compete at the 2025 Cadet & Junior World Championships in China.

    According to the FIE, the training camp, which takes place from April 1 to 12, is organized in collaboration with Olympic Solidarity and aims to identify and support top talent from across Africa, providing athletes with world-class training and competition opportunities. The camp will bring together some of the most promising fencers from around the world.

    Okanlawon said he’s looking forward to learning new tricks and meeting other talented athletes at the Asia camp. “I’m happy for this opportunity. It is a big one to be chosen among junior fencers that will go for the training camp. Though, I’ve taken part in some competitions, after the World Cup, I realised that I still have a lot to learn. I’m looking forward to it.”  

    President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, further attested to Okanlawon’s prowess an promise.

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    “I am not surprised that Okanlawon was selected because he has shown a lot of promise since we took him up. He is a good leader among his colleagues, and for us, this is what we are promoting and encouraging our athletes to imbibe so that they can be exposed to opportunities like this. We are happy that he will be able to train under top coaches and also compete against the best fencers in the world,” Samuel added.

    In a statement issued by the Nigerian Fencing Federation, the 18-year-old inclusion in this elite group underscores his remarkable achievements in the sport and his potential to excel at the highest level. His selection recognizes his exceptional skill, dedication, and potential to represent Africa on the global stage. The training camp will offer Okanlawon the chance to refine his skills under the guidance of top coaches.

    After the camp, he will compete at the World Championships from April 13 to 15, where he will face off against the best junior fencers globally.

    “This opportunity is a significant milestone not only for Okanlawon but also for Nigerian and African fencing. It highlights the growing recognition of African athletes in international sports and provides a platform for Okanlawon to showcase his talent on a global scale. Okanlawon’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the continent, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary opportunities,” the statement added.

  • FENCING PRODIGY, WISDOM OKANLAWON: I’m not afraid of top fencers from U.S, Hong Kong

    FENCING PRODIGY, WISDOM OKANLAWON: I’m not afraid of top fencers from U.S, Hong Kong

    Ahead the 2024 Men’s Junior World Cup, scheduled for December 14-15 in Lagos, fencing prodigy Wisdom Onyekachukwu Okanlawon has bust out in gusto roar of fearless determination.

    The Nigerian fencer said he’s not afraid of challengers from the America and Asia ahead of the championship, Nigeria is hosting for the very first time.

    Top fencing nations from around the world, including the United States, Hong Kong, Egypt, and others, are expected to take part in the elite tournament that will have scores of athletes; the best from around the world competing at the first-class fencing facility of Nigeria’s prestigious international school, Charterhouse Lagos in Lagos.

    It will be equally competitive as it will serve as a point-earning event for the athletes working hard to amass valuable points ahead the Olympic Games.

    Speaking with one infused with the wining bug, Okanlawon accentuates the Nigerian prowess, determination and winning spirit.   

    “I’m happy to represent my country Nigeria in the forthcoming Fencing World Cup. I’ve been to championships, but this is going to be my first World Cup. In spite of this I’m not afraid of the big players coming from U.S and Asia. I am gunning for medal and I’m preparing hard to make my country proud,” the 17-year-old said.     

    Okanlawon, indeed, stands as a testament to the unyielding spirit and raw talent that can emerge from the most unexpected of places.

    Hailing from a humble background in a quiet corner of town, he was drawn to the sport through a community initiative aimed at introducing children to new horizons beyond their everyday routines while in Primary school. 

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    At first, he approached fencing with a mixture of curiosity and wonder. Little did he know that this initial encounter would ignite a passion that would shape his future in ways he could never imagine. 

    The early days were marked by challenges typical of those from modest backgrounds. Equipment was scarce, and opportunities for formal coaching were limited. However, fueled by an innate determination and supported by mentors who recognized his potential, Wisdom embarked on a journey of self-discovery through fencing. He trained tirelessly, utilizing and seizing every chance to compete, each bout a testament to his growing skill and dedication.

    As his proficiency in fencing grew, so too did his reputation within local circles. Competitions became arenas where he could showcase his abilities against opponents from more privileged backgrounds, his victories speaking volumes about his resilience and innate talent. His journey was not just about mastering the technical aspects of the sport but also about overcoming stereotypes and transcending socio-economic barriers.

    Beyond the accolades, Wisdom’s story is woven with the values instilled in him by his upbringing: humility, perseverance, and an unwavering gratitude for the opportunities fencing has afforded him. His journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere, illustrating that passion and determination can propel individuals toward greatness, regardless of their starting point.

    Looking forward, Wisdom dreams of representing his community on a broader stage, his sights set on national and international competitions where he can compete against the best in the world. His story embodies the transformative power of sport and the resilience of those who dare to pursue their dreams against all odds.

    In Wisdom’s own words, fencing has not only become a sport but a way of life—a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that continues to shape his character and ambitions. As he prepares for the next phase of his fencing career, one thing remains certain: the saga of Wisdom is far from reaching its final chapter, a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young man whose journey has only just begun.

    “He said: “I know top countries and players are coming to Nigeria, but I’m not afraid. And I’m speaking for all my team members. We are ready. Coach has been grilling us for many weeks and we are focused to take on any challenger. It will make the country and the whole world to notice us, that there are talented fencers in Nigeria.”