Oshonaike recounts IOC election experience

Nigeria women’s table tennis icon, Olufunke Oshonaike has shared her bitter-sweet experience during the International Olympic Committee Athletics Commission at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

In a long post on her Facebook page on Saturday, the seven-time Olympian recounted her bitter-sweet experience while trying to secure one of the four spots on the commission.

Despite coming seventh in the election contested by over 100 globally renowned athletes, the 50-year-old relished the experience  and wished the successful four contestants the best of luck.

The post read, “The road to Paris 2024 was unlike any other Olympic journey I’ve undertaken. This time, I wasn’t just competing on the field; I was there to represent Nigeria in the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC) election. The qualification process began last year, with 100 athletes from different countries vying for a spot in this prestigious election. Out of those 100, I was one of the 30 Olympians who qualified to represent their country—a moment of immense pride for me.

“However, when I saw the other 29 candidates, my heart skipped a beat. Many of them came from countries with larger contingents and far more global recognition than mine. I knew this was going to be a tough battle. But one thing about me is that I am a fighter, a person who believes that nothing is impossible.

“The voting began on the 18th and was set to conclude on the 7th. I arrived at the Olympic Village on the 21st, ready to start my campaign. What followed were some of the most stressful, challenging, and difficult days of my life since I first competed in the Olympics back in 1996. My campaign days started at 10 AM and didn’t end until 9 PM. The sun and heat were relentless, but I pushed through, running after athletes, urging them to vote for me. Some shunned me, and others expressed their disdain for politics. But there were also those who listened, eager to learn more about the election and why their vote mattered.

“It was an emotional rollercoaster. I cried, I felt weak and exhausted, and I even lost my voice. But through it all, I never gave up. I kept going because I believed that I could be a strong voice for Olympians around the world.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t make it into the top 4 who qualified. I came in 7th. Although many Olympians voted for me, it wasn’t enough. It hurts, but I am thankful that I did my best and made my presence felt. I’m grateful to all the athletes who supported me, especially those who saw me campaigning tirelessly under the hot sun.

“Now, it’s time to go back home to my kids, whom I’ve missed so much. I’m keeping my head held high, proud of what I’ve achieved, and still believing that this is not the end. Thank you all for your support.

“My analysis based on the final results  and my personal experience on the field I have since come to the realisation that it will be difficult for any African representative to be elected because in comparison to other continents, our contigent to the Olympics are relatively small so home support is greatly reduced and you are at a disadvantage ab initio. But nothing is impossible!

“Congratulations to all the four winners.”

IOC AC elections are held at each edition of the Olympic Games, with new members voted on to the commission by the athletes competing at that edition of the Games. Four or five members are elected at each Summer Games and two or three at each Winter Games, replacing members whose eight-year terms expire.