Simidele Adeagbo will make history for Nigeria this weekend as the first African athlete to compete in bobsleigh
at the BMW IBSF World Championship in Winterberg, Germany.
This is the first time ever that the continent of Africa will be represented in bobsleigh at a World Championship in 100 years since the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) was founded.
“I want to take a moment to celebrate this significant barrier that took a century to break,” Adeagbo wrote on X.
“Too often, our historic contributions are not recognized, undervalued and forgotten. So as we celebrate BHM, I’m honoured to write another chapter in the new future of sport.”
She said this first will be forever recorded in history, paving the way for greater access and inclusion in the primarily Eurocentric, male dominated sport of bobsleigh.
According to her, this historic moment is also a testament to hard work and dreaming more than others think is practical.
“As I break this barrier on the ice, through the work of the @simisleighsfoundation , I continue to break the barriers that limit women and girls’ opportunities to reach their full potential,” the history maker said.
“Learn more about our programs and ways to support and donate at SimiSleighsFoundation.org.
“Thanks to my incredible team, sponsors and everyone who believes in me and continues to support me on this journey.”
Adeagbo added that she is grateful for the opportunity to compete at the highest level & showcase the power of perseverance & determination.
Also according to the 42-year-old who was born in Toronto, Canada, no matter the outcome, this moment is golden as she goes ahead to make history on Saturday and Sunday.
