Blessing Okagbare (born 1988) is one of Nigeria's greatest track and field athletes, competing in sprints and long jump. She won silver in the long jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. At the 2013 World Championships, Okagbare won silver in 200m and bronze in long jump. She set African records in 100m (10.79s) and 200m (22.04s). Okagbare won Commonwealth Games gold medals and Diamond League titles. She's one of few athletes to medal in both sprint and field events at elite level. Despite setbacks, Okagbare's consistency and versatility made her a dominant force in African athletics for over a decade.


SPRINTING AND JUMPING EXCELLENCE:
Blessing Okagbare’s rare combination of speed and power made her a global contender in both sprints and the long jump. She burst onto the international scene with a long jump bronze at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, then dominated African Championships and Diamond League meets throughout the 2010s.

GLOBAL MEDALS AND RECORDS:
Okagbare won 100m and 200m gold plus 4x100m bronze at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, setting a championship record of 10.85 seconds in the 100m. At the 2013 World Championships in Moscow she became the first African woman to win medals in two disciplines at the same edition (200m silver, long jump bronze). Her African 100m record of 10.79 seconds, set in July 2013, still stands.

RESILIENCE THROUGH ADVERSITY:
Her career faced a significant setback in 2021 with a lengthy suspension following anti-doping violations. Okagbare publicly accepted the ruling, refocused on mentoring upcoming athletes, and now works with coaches to improve testing education and support systems so younger sprinters avoid similar pitfalls. She continues to champion fair play and athlete welfare.

LEGACY AND COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Through the Blessing Okagbare Foundation and her annual athletic meets in Sapele, she funds coaching clinics, provides equipment to schools, and awards scholarships to girls pursuing sports and STEM careers. Her journey underscores the heights Nigerian athletes can reach with discipline, and the importance of accountability when representing the nation.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 9 October 1988 in Sapele, Delta State.
- Events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay, and long jump.
- Olympic medals: Beijing 2008 long jump bronze; multiple African Championships titles.
- Awards: African Athlete of the Year (2010), Nigerian Sportswoman of the Year (multiple seasons).