The MTN CHAMPS Benin Athletics Classics began with over 2,000 athletes participating. Highlights included top performances from Benjamin Magaji in the men’s 400m, Miracle Sonny in the junior women’s 400m, and Adaeze Ezeh in the junior long jump. Athletes set numerous personal and seasonal bests, setting an exciting tone for the competition’s continuation.
The MTN CHAMPS Benin Athletics Classics commenced on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and UNIBEN Sports Complex, showcasing more than 2,000 athletes from various schools and states. Notable performers included Team MTN’s Benjamin Magaji, former National Youth Games silver medalist Miracle Sonny, and two-time MVP Adaeze Ezeh, all achieving significant personal and seasonal bests.
Benjamin Magaji established a new lifetime best of 48.23 seconds in the senior men’s 400 meters, emerging as the fastest in his heats. Emmanuel Baraburu and Emmanuel Salubi followed with times of 48.27 and 48.53 seconds, respectively, demonstrating competitiveness as they prepared for the next stages of the event.
In the junior women’s 400 meters, Miracle Sonny marked her return with a personal best of 54.92 seconds, leading her heat. Victoria Olaniyi and Success Okoro also excelled, recording second and third fastest times overall at 55.62 seconds and 55.92 seconds.
The junior men’s 400 meters witnessed Gafar Badmus achieving a season best of 47.94 seconds, outperforming other competitors. The fastest overall times were completed by David Akhalu and Eniola Shiro, who respectively finished at 48.22 seconds and 48.30 seconds.
In the youth (U17) girls’ 400 meters, Elizabeth Olumide led the qualifiers with a time of 58.20 seconds. The boys’ youth category saw Emmanuel Chukwueweniwe, Oghenetega Abednigo, and Dominion Udoh also qualify with impressive times.
Key performances continued in the junior women’s 100 meters, with Mmesoma Ezeobi achieving the fastest semifinal time at 11.88 seconds. Following her were qualifiers Cynthia Chioma and Success Oyibu.
The junior men’s 100 meters saw Caleb John dominate with a season’s best of 10.59 seconds. He was accompanied in the finals by Juliand Efejuku and Abdulrahman Jimoh, both of whom clocked times of 10.71 seconds.
Finally, Adaeze Ezeh placed first in the junior women’s long jump with a leap of 6.05 meters, followed by Jennifer Osemijengie and Franca Ajagbawa. The competition, extending until March 15, will highlight further finals in various events ranging from the 100m and 400m races to the 4x100m heats.
The inaugural day of the MTN CHAMPS Benin Athletics Classics showcased impressive performances from various young athletes, particularly Benjamin Magaji, Miracle Sonny, and Adaeze Ezeh, who set new personal bests and emerged as top contenders. With the event continuing till March 15, the second day promises to deliver more exhilarating competitions in multiple track and field events, emphasizing the athletes’ readiness for the upcoming season.
Original Source: punchng.com
