“ROBBED”: Vernon Norwood Takes Bold Stance For Fellow LSU Track and Field Star at Paris Olympics

Another hope shattered. As Olympians, athletes rarely think of letting a chance to show their mettle slide. And yet, when being restricted from participating on the grandest stage happens because of a clerical error, one can fathom the heartbreak that might befall an athlete. With LSU’s Favour Ofili’s latest misfortune coming to light, another Tigers star Vernon Norwood couldn’t help but vent his frustration.

Nigerian track star Ofili qualified in both the women’s 100m and 200m sprints for the Paris Olympics 2024. However, it recently became public knowledge that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) failed to enter her name in the shorter distance, making it impossible for her to take to the tracks with national teammates Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma. In light of the issue, the 2020 Olympic gold medalist Norwood took to social media to express his anger.

“ROBBED!!!!!!” fumed Vernon in his post on X from just a few hours ago. With that, he also started the hashtag #JusticeForOfili stating that an administrative error that crushes an athlete’s dream can never be forgiven. Norwood’s anger came as a response after his collegiate teammate went on Instagram to announce that she won’t be lining up with the others for the 100m dash.

“It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 meters at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for 4 years to earn this opportunity. For what?” wrote Favour on her Instagram account on Tuesday night. Naturally, her pain was evident in the post, and Vernon couldn’t bear how his colleague had to suffer because of others’ faults.

Ofili qualified for the Paris Games after running the 100m in 11.06 seconds and the 200m in 22.33 seconds at the Nigerian trials. With such formidable numbers, it’s not difficult to comprehend why the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medalist is feeling pangs of sadness, especially considering how things went for her in Tokyo as well.

As the Nigerian broods her misfortune, Vernon Norwood waits for his chance

At the last Summer Olympics three years ago, Ofili was among the Nigerian athletes who were barred by the Athletics Integrity Unit from participating because the AFN and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) couldn’t test the stars rigorously enough for the tournament. Naturally, her latest snag makes things all the more difficult. “Please remember, in the last Olympic Games, I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC and NOC failed to release funds for athletes to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified to not compete. Now this……” her statement didn’t even try to hide the emotions she is currently going through.

The debutant Olympian will now focus on the task at hand: the women’s 200m sprint. However, justifiably, she can’t get over the fact that she has to bid goodbye to her dreams even before getting a shot at it. While Ofili mourns the incident, her teammate from LSU Norwood also has a tough challenge ahead. The 32-year-old is entered in the men’s 4x400m relay and will be joining hands with teen prodigy Quincy Wilson in the quest to bring another gold in the event and ensure the USA’s dominance at the French capital. How do you think Norwood’s chances are to bring golden glory back home? Tell us below!