Hurdler Olowookere targets Olympic, World Athletics glory

Hurdler Olowookere targets Olympic, World Athletics glory

Nigerian 400 metres hurdler David Tayo Olowookere, an indigene of Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, has declared his ambition to compete at the Olympic Games and major World Athletics championships, as he continues his rise among elite global hurdlers.

Speaking in a telephone interview chat, Olowookere expressed profound gratitude to the people and government of Kwara State, led by Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRasaq, for providing an enabling environment that supported his early athletic development and paved the way for his transition to international competition in the United States.

The U.S.-based athlete noted that the Kwara State Stadium facilities possess the potential to consistently produce world-class athletes if adequately maintained. He also commended the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Magaji, describing him as a capable administrator with deep understanding of athlete development.

Olowookere’s career has been defined by record-breaking performances and continental success. He is the current Kwara State 400m Hurdles Record Holder, having clocked a lifetime best of 50.81 seconds at the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships (USA), a time that remains unbroken.

At the 19th National Sports Festival in Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship multi-sport event, Olowookere won Gold in the 400m Hurdles, breaking a 27-year-old festival record, a performance that earned him recognition as a former AFN U20 National Record Holder.

On the international stage, he has represented Nigeria at the CAA Region II Championships in Niger and Ghana, winning Gold in the 400m Hurdles and Silver in the 110m Hurdles, and later advanced to the final at the African U20 Championships in Côte d’Ivoire, competing against athletes from more than 20 African nations.

In the United States collegiate system, Olowookere emerged as a standout performer. He was crowned Missouri Valley Conference Champion and named Most Outstanding Track & Field Athlete while competing at NCAA Division I level, and later ranked among the Top 10 All-Time Indoor 300m performers at Indiana University.

Now pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Technology Management at Concordia University St. Paul, Olowookere continues to compete actively while intensifying preparations for Olympic qualification, the World Athletics Championships, and elite international competitions.

He also revealed openness to sponsorship and strategic partnerships to support full participation in high-level meets, including the Diamond League and other global invitational events.

“My ambition is to hoist the Nigerian flag as a proud Eruku boy from Ogbua Compound, Eruku, Kwara State,” Olowookere said.

Beyond competition, the athlete remains committed to grassroots development, mentoring young athletes through Athletics Federation of Nigeria–recognized initiatives and promoting discipline, education, and sportsmanship.

With a proven record, international exposure, and clear Olympic focus, David Olowookere stands as one of Nigeria’s emerging podium prospects in the 400 metres hurdles.