I won’t stop until I’m world champion — Oluwasegun

African armwrestling champion Ajao Oluwasegun talks about how he discovered the sport, overcoming injury, his Olympic dream and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

How did armwrestling start for you?

It started for me back in secondary school. At that time, I only took it up for fun, just something we did with friends. I didn’t even know it was a proper sport with competitions and championships. It was much later that I realised there was more to it and that I could actually build a career out of it.

Did your parents support your decision to become an armwrestling athlete?

Honestly, my parents didn’t really support my career in the sport at the beginning. It wasn’t something they saw as a serious path for me, so I had to find my own motivation and keep pushing on my own.

Was armwrestling easy or difficult for you when you started?

For me, it wasn’t too difficult because I had already been involved in some other sports before I got into armwrestling. That background helped me a lot. It gave me a certain level of strength and discipline that made it easier for me to adjust and pick up the techniques of armwrestling quickly.

Have you ever thought of quitting armwrestling?

Yes, there was a time I thought about it. It was the moment I got injured; that period really tested me and made me consider whether I should continue. But deep down, I didn’t want to give up. I held on to hope, and I kept believing that things would get better, and that’s what kept me going.

What would you say has been the happiest moment of your career so far?

For me, the happiest moment came after my injuries, when I realised I could still continue competing. That meant a lot to me, because not every athlete gets that privilege. Some injuries end careers completely, so being able to come back and still perform is something I don’t take for granted.

You have won gold for Nigeria. What does this mean to you, and do you see yourself as a role model?

Yes, I have won gold medals for Nigeria, and it means a lot to me. There were times I didn’t even think it was possible, so achieving it was very special. Beyond the medals, I also see myself as a role model. I know there are a lot of young athletes out there who look up to me, and that pushes me to keep representing the sport in the right way.

You are an African champion. What does this signify to you?

Yes, I am an African champion, and to me, that signifies that I am on the right path. It tells me that very soon, by God’s grace, I will become a world champion. It’s a stepping stone, and I take it as motivation to keep working harder.

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What does competing at the African Championships mean to you?

Competing at the African Championships means a lot to me. It’s about representing Nigeria, my country, and also representing my family and myself. Every time I step out to compete, I carry all of that with me, and it pushes me to give my best.

Do you have dreams of the Olympics?

Yes, I do. That is the aim of every professional athlete; the Olympics is the peak of the sport. Any athlete who says they don’t dream of the Olympics is probably not being honest, because that is the highest stage you can reach.

What do you hope to achieve if you qualify?

If I qualify, my target would be to go for the world title. That is what I am working towards.

What are the challenges you face?

The major challenges I face are financial support and getting access to good equipment to train with. Without proper funding and the right equipment, it becomes difficult to train at the level needed to compete with the best in the world.

What is your ultimate goal in armwrestling?

My ultimate goal is to become a world-famous champion. That is what I am pushing for every single day, and I won’t stop until I get there.

What would you say is the best country you have ever competed in?

That’s one I can’t really say for now. I’ve competed in different places, and each one has its own experience, so it’s hard to single out just one at this point.

Will you ever go into coaching?

Yes, definitely. In fact, I am already doing that presently. I have some kids that I am training, and I enjoy passing on what I know to the younger ones coming up.