Nigerian representatives, Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo are set to compete in Final B of the women’s Canoe Doubles 500m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The duo secured their spot by finishing 5th in the first heat of the quarterfinals, clocking a time of 2:07.86.
Both athletes have an inspiring backstory. Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo earned their place in the Olympics after winning the women’s C2 500m event at the Canoe Sprint African Paris 2024 Qualifier in Nigeria.
Reflecting on their journey, the pair shared the numerous challenges they faced on their path to success.
Beauty Otuedo’s entrance into canoeing began in 2015, marked by a tumultuous relationship with the sport.
Her voice filled with emotion as she recalled how depression caused her to step away for two years.
However, in 2018, with her brother Goodluck Gbamire coaching her, Otuedo made a determined comeback.
“I participated in several national competitions, including the African Admiral Porbeni Event, and won bronze,” she told Olympics.com.
Her perseverance culminated in a triumphant victory at the Canoe Sprint African Olympic Qualifier on November 24.
Otuedo and Bello finished first in the women’s C2 500m category at Jabi Lake, completing the race in 2:24.45 seconds and securing an Olympic quota for Paris 2024.
“I am so happy achieving this,” Otuedo said, despite acknowledging the lack of training affected her performance.
Ayomide Bello’s story is equally remarkable. Speaking to the International Canoe Federation, she revealed, “I was born in a boat.
“Her mother was paddling home when she went into labor, delivering Ayomide alone on the water. This unique beginning forged a deep connection with the sport for Bello, who started paddling at the age of eight after being introduced to it by her sister. “At first, I was reluctant, but then I tried it out and knew I wanted to reach the Olympic level,” she said.
Bello, now 22, is competing in her second Olympic Games, while the 26-year-old Otuedo is making her debut.
Both athletes hail from fishing families and bring complementary strengths to their partnership—Bello as the articulate spokesperson and Otuedo as the silent strength.
Their journey has been fraught with financial difficulties. Otuedo, working as a nurse, and Bello, working at a salon, faced challenges funding their training.
For their preparations for Paris 2024, they relocated to Abuja, with government support for training and major competitions.
Bello noted their gratitude towards Sebastian Cuattrin, the Brazilian Olympian and ICF Global Lead for Flatwater, who assisted them at critical moments.
After competing in two International Canoe Federation World Cups earlier this year, Otuedo and Bello finished fifth in the women’s canoe double 500m quarter-final, qualifying for Final B scheduled for August 9.
They hope their story will inspire other Nigerian girls to believe in the power of hard work and dedication.
“With God on your side, everything is possible,” Bello emphasized. “We wanted to change the perception of sports in Nigeria, to have canoeing discussed alongside athletics and football. Our aim is to make our country proud and bring attention to canoeing.”
