Who Is Favour Ofili? Track and Field Star That Upset Gabby Thomas & Elaine Thompson-Herah at NYC Grand Prix?

In a whirlwind of speed and determination, the USATF NYC Grand Prix 100-meter women’s event unfolded with all the drama and excitement, leaving track and field fans on the edge of their seats. In a field brimming with Olympic champions and seasoned sprinters, the emergence of Favour Ofili, the first Nigerian woman to break the 22-second barrier, stole the spotlight.

With the finesse of a seasoned pro, Ofili blazed through the track, defying expectations and clinching victory in the women’s 100m with a breathtaking time of 11.18 seconds. But this triumph was no easy feat. Facing formidable opponents like Morolake Akinosun and Aleia Hobbs, both formidable American sprinters, Ofili showcased her skill with every stride. Akinosun chased closely behind with a time of 11.20 seconds, followed by Hobbs in 11.21 seconds, in a photo finish that had the crowd holding its breath until the very end.

In a surprising turn, Gabby Thomas 🇺🇸, who clinched bronze in the 200m and silver in the women’s 4x100m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, secured the fourth spot with a time of 11.34 seconds, marking a season’s best. Meanwhile, Elaine Thompson-Herah, a five-time Olympic champion and the fastest woman alive in the 100m, struggled visibly.

The Jamaican star finished in 8th place with a time of 11.48 seconds, hampered by a lower leg injury that prompted her to be carried off the track, evoking heartbreaking scenes in New York. Thompson-Herah’s limping gait and the swift removal of her shoe highlighted the severity of her Achilles injury, as she received immediate treatment trackside. As we reflect on the sad turn of events for the Olympians, let’s talk about Favour Ofili’s best moments in her career and how she’s doing in 2024 so far.

Favour Ofili’s track and field career highlights

At just 21, Favour Ofili is already making waves in the world of track and field. From clinching the silver medal in the 400 meters at the 2019 African Games to securing another silver in the 200 meters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Adding to her accolades, she nabbed bronze at the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in the 200 meters, showcasing her prowess on the international stage.

But what sets Ofili apart is her groundbreaking speed. She is the African indoor record holder in the 200 meters, and let’s not forget her historic feat of breaking the elusive 22-second barrier, making her the first Nigerian woman ever (and the second African woman) to achieve this remarkable feat.

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, she’s turning heads in track and field with every race. In April 2022, she clocked a jaw-dropping 10.93 seconds in the 100 meters, becoming the first female NCAA athlete to run sub-11s and sub-22s. Her strides are reaching new heights, showcasing that in the track world, there are no limits. How has her 2024 been so far?

Her 2024 so far

In the 100-meter events: On March 30, at the Battle on the Bayou in Baton Rouge, LA, she ran the 100 meters in 10.85 seconds with a wind speed of +2.6, securing 1st place. On April 27, at the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge, she completed the 100 meters in 10.78 seconds with a wind speed of +2.2, finishing 2nd.

On May 31, at the HBCU Pro Classic in Atlanta, she recorded 11.20 seconds in the 100 meters with a wind speed of +0.8, placing 5th. And finally, on June 9, at the USATF New York City Grand Prix in New York, she crossed the finish line in the 100 meters in 11.18 seconds with a wind speed of -2.1, clinching 1st place.

In the 200-meter events: On April 12, at the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida, she clocked a time of 22.33 seconds with a wind speed of +1.4, securing 1st place. Continuing at the LSU Invitational on April 27 in Baton Rouge, she completed the 200 meters in 22.34 seconds with a wind speed of -2.0, also finishing 1st.

Switching to the indoor events: On January 26, at the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville, she sprinted the 200-meter short track in 22.87 seconds, securing 1st place. Then, on February 4, at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in Boston, she ran the 300-meter short track in 35.99 seconds, placing 2nd.

In the relay events: On March 23, at the Keyth Talley Invitational in Baton Rouge, her team completed the 4×100 meters relay in 43.10 seconds, securing 1st place. Continuing at the Battle on the Bayou on March 30 in Baton Rouge, her team finished the 4×100 meters relay in 42.78 seconds, also securing 1st place. At the LSU Invitational on April 27 in Baton Rouge, her team finished the 4×100 meters relay in 43.26 seconds, securing 1st place.

Transitioning to international competition: on May 4, at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 in Nassau, her team finished the 4×100 meters relay in 43.15 seconds, placing 3rd. Finally, on May 5, at the same event in Nassau, her team finished the 4×100 meters relay in 42.71 seconds, securing 1st place.

Considering her impressive track and field record and her significant victory, surpassing some of the trailblazers at the NYC Grand Prix, it’s evident that Favour Ofili is emerging as one to watch out for as athletes set their sights on the Paris Olympics in the near future.