Kolade Otunla Smashes Festival Record to Win Gold in 100m Backstroke
By: IDNN Sports Desk
ABEOKUTA — The water didn’t just ripple — it roared.
In front of a roaring home crowd, Kolade Otunla, the pride of Ogun State, carved his name into Nigerian swimming history by breaking the national and festival record in the men’s 100m backstroke at the Gateway Games 2025.
His time? 1:02.41 seconds — a performance so sharp, so fluid, it left even officials reaching for the stopwatches twice.
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Otunla’s gold wasn’t just a win — it was a revolution.
For a state still building its aquatic legacy, the 100m backstroke title represents a seismic breakthrough. Otunla didn’t just dominate his lane — he rewrote the entire playbook.
“It’s not about rushing,” the 100m backstroke king said afterward.
“You have to know your pace. You sprint only when it matters. That’s how champions are made.”
The ovation that greeted him at the Alake Sports Complex was thunderous — the loudest cheer of Day 4 — and it continued long after he left the pool.
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Otunla credits his victory to a strict training regimen, spiritual discipline, and a coach who “wakes me up every day to chase greatness.”
“It’s not by my power,” he humbly admitted.
“I dream of the Olympics. This is just the start.”
While Otunla’s record is pending official ratification by the Nigerian Swimming Federation, insiders say it’s just a formality. The margin of victory and performance quality make this a national landmark moment.
Gateway Games, Gateway Glory
Otunla’s feat came hours after Tobiloba Omolola won gold in the women’s 800m freestyle — proving Ogun State is no longer a “developing” swimming region. They’re contenders.
Ogun fans — many watching live at the aquatic centre — believe Otunla’s name may one day echo at the Olympics. For now, he is a legend in his own lane.
