African Games Gold Medalist Raymond Ekevwo expressed his excitement following his participation in the 100m event at the ongoing IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha saying he’s thrilled to compete with world beaters on the big stage.
“It was a great feeling coming out here at first and then qualifying for the semifinal. That’s a really good experience and I’m happy about it,” he said about his semifinal participation in the 100m event at his first World Championships.
Ekevwo who is currently the fastest man in Africa lined-up against Andre De Grasse, Olympic Medalist and two of the top 5 sprinters of all time – Yohan Blake and Justin Gatlin. Recounting what it felt like to go up against them “I was nervous,” Ekevwo said.
“Looking at those guys, they some of the greatest athletes of all time. At first I panicked but it is what is it and I had to do what I had to do. So I went there, executed and although it didn’t go as planned I still thank God.”
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Speaking on how much of an inspiration they were to him the 20 year old said “Justin is a cool guy. Before the race he psyched me up and was like success to you.
“Running against them was a big inspiration to me because I’ve been seeing them on TV and always wished to be like them. So being on the tracks with them was an honour,” he added.
Raymond Ekevwo, 20, finished fifth in the semifinal of the 100m event with a time of 10.20s but will look forward to the 4x100m Men’s relay to represent Nigeria once again in Doha.
