By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

The rave of the moment, Olivia Obadiah, on Saturday relished her ambition to become Nigeria’s next big name in long-distance racing after winning silver at the 10th Lagos Women Run.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obadiah impressed at the just-concluded race, finishing second in a competitive 10km event with a time of 39 minutes, 55 seconds.

Her feat made her the second-youngest athlete to mount the podium after Vera Maisaje’s surprise gold medal win in 2022 with a time of 29 minutes, 38 seconds.

Speaking with NAN after the race, the confident 19-year-old, competing in her first long-distance event, said she was ready to go further in her running career.

“I thank God for today’s result. It is something I’ve wanted since I was younger.

“I used to watch the older runners train on the mountains and always prayed to be like them one day.

“I’m happy about this competition and my position. Many don’t even know this is my first time competing as a long-distance athlete,” she said.

Obadiah said her focus was not on money but on improving her timing and performance in future races.

“I’m not thinking about the money yet. I want to work on my timing because I’m still far behind the Kenyans and Ethiopians.

“I need more training. Thanks to my coach, Nenbun Micheal, who has supported me so far.

“We have many good long-distance coaches in Jos, and my coach prepared me well for this competition.

“I’m just 19, and I’ll keep training until I become the national champion. I believe I can do it in the next five years and defeat the Kenyans,” she said.

NAN reports that Obadiah received a cash prize of N1.5 million for finishing second at the 10th Lagos Women Run. (NAN)