Nigerian sprinter, Blessing Ogundiran, is full of gratitude to her coaches at home and abroad after delivering a breathtaking performance at the South Florida Invitational on Saturday, storming to a sensational 10.98s (+0.6) in the women's 100 metres to announce herself on the global stage, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 26-year-old won the race for Warner University, finishing almost a second ahead of the rest of the field. University of Central Florida's Eseroghene Awusa came second in 11.40s, while Jada Smith of Boston University was third in 11.57s.
Her performance also set a new school record and a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics record, coming just weeks after she had shattered the previous mark.
Earlier this month, Ogundiran made headlines by breaking the NAIA women's 100m record at the Embry-Riddle Classic, clocking 11.21s (+0.5). She surpassed the previous mark of 11.28s set by Jamaica's Jura Levy in 2014.
She has now lowered the record further, dedicating the achievement to her numerous support systems.
"I just ran a world-leading time of 10.98s, and my heart is overflowing with gratitude and tears of joy. This is not just a number on the clock; it's a dream realised, a prayer answered, and a testimony of God's faithfulness in my life," she wrote on Instagram.
"To my coach T, thank you so much, sir. Your belief in me, your guidance, your sacrifices, and your relentless push have shaped me into who I am today. I couldn't have done this without you.
"To my Nigerian coach, Abbey, thank you, sir. I love you deeply. Your wisdom, support, and fatherly care mean the world to me.
"And to all my amazing friends and family who have supported me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and stood by me through every training session and every doubt, God bless you all richly. Your love and prayers carried me here. I feel every single one of them. This moment belongs to God, my coaches, my team, and everyone who believed in me."
When ratified by World Athletics, Ogundiran's time will tie Jamaica's Shanoya Douglas for the world-leading time in the women's 100m.