Nigeria's Chinonyelum Ohadugha hopes to satisfy millions of her compatriots as she begins her chase for honors at the 29th Olympic Games women's triple jump event, local media reported Friday.
Ohadugha, one of Nigeria's four entries in field events at the Beijing Games, told Nigerian media that she was aware of her burden.
"I know the expectations of millions of Nigerians, especially from athletics, as Team Nigeria has not been able to win any medal since the Games commenced," she said.
"We in the team want to win but it is not that easy for us because the competition is not an easy one," she said.
With a personal best of 14.21 meters, she is starting the qualifying round's in Group A with tough 18 competitors.
But looking at the field, Ohadugha said, she believed in her ability to perform to her best.
"I am well motivated to want to do well, and I will indeed do my best with regards to this Games," she said.
Ohadugha has been scheduled for jump order number six of the group's competition on Friday.
(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2008)