Sade Olatoye: Doha 2019 Q&A
12/4/2019 4:12:18 PM | Women's Track & Field
COLUMBUS, Ohio – This past October, Sade Olatoye competed in the 2019 African Games where she took home the gold for team Nigeria in the women’s shot put. Olatoye’s first place stint earned her a chance to compete at the World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Was this your first time traveling to Doha?
“This was my first time traveling to the Middle East and Doha, Qatar. It’s such a blessing being able to compete in a sport that I’ve gained love for over the years, and on top being able to travel to some pretty amazing places at the same time.”
What confidence did winning the African games bring you for the IAAF championships?
“Going to the All African Games allowed me to come in to the World championships with a slight chip on my shoulder. Having an international championship title is kind of amazing and shows that I have the potential to be high class and compete against other who are too. Training all summer was difficult and mentally straining at times but I’d really like to thank my coach for keeping me on track and motivated.”
You represented your home country of Nigeria, speak on what that meant to you.
“I’m a first generation Nigerian-American and have been blessed to be able to not only represent one national team but two different ones. I represented the United States in 2016 at a junior championship and I made the switch to represent my parents home country, which was such a exciting and humbling experience. Being able to give back to a country that carries much pride in its people is powerful. I just want to put Nigeria on the map and allow people to see that we are a nation that produces not only greatly intelligent individuals, but also great student-athletes that can be a serious force on the scene of athletics.”
What was the atmosphere like in Doha?
“The atmosphere in Doha was next level. Intensity was much more heightened compared to a collegiate meet and you can see the hunger in everyone’s eyes at practice. It was slightly intimidating but knowing that I was there with them gave me the mindset that I also am in the same playing field with these people. Even given that I was one out of two collegiate athletes competing out of the 29 women for the Shot competition just goes to show once I put more time into this sport my progression is going to be limitless. Can’t wait to ‘go crazy’ my fifth year here at Ohio State and create more momentum into my post collegiate career. I am in no means rushing the process, I’m going to cherish every moment this year since it’s my last.”
Any new lessons you learned while being away?
“I have learned that you have to be patient and trust the process. At times, I do get frustrated when things are not going right and how it’s important to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have to really focus on my technique because my strength levels are there. So, this entire fall my coach and I are really focusing on hitting positions and making them repeatable because once everything comes together, it’s gonna be magical.”
How does it feel to be considered one of the most successful student – athletes to wear scarlet and gray?
“It honestly hasn’t hit me yet. I don’t always think of everything that I have accomplished here at Ohio State until my friends/family/teammates bring it up to me. I tend to live in the moment and think about the future and what’s next. I’m always striving to do better at any means. So, I haven’t had much time to reflect, I’m sure when my time is nearing in the spring for the senior banquet I will look back and really embrace the time I’ve had here. I’m truly blessed and humbled to be considered as an elite athlete here as I feel like it was not too long ago I came in as a freshman who didn’t really know the ropes.”
What was your favorite place you visited in Doha?
“After competition we had some time to actually be a tourist. My two favorite places that I visited Souq Waqif which was a local market in city center that you could get an array of items ranging from spaces to souvenirs to even henna. It was really was nice to see the locals in their community and interact with them and learn more about the culture and history of the country. Another place that I visited, that I will always remember, was the desert that Borders Qatar and Saudi Arabia. My teammates and I went camel-back riding, ATV riding, and sand boarding. It was a bit out of my comfort zone but definitely was a great couple of photo opportunities!”
Anything you had to try for the first time ?
“I am pretty open-minded, shout out to my parents! I’m always open to new food and new adventures, in this trip was all about learning about myself and my likes and dislikes. For the first time I rode in car into the desert that went down 90° sand hills, which was pretty scary. These are all moments that I will cherish forever and I am excited for this year‘s journey; 2020 outdoor season and the road to Tokyo 2020!”
