A 16-year-old Nigerian born in the United States, Annam Olasawere, Saturday, won a Silver Medal in the 50-meter freestyle swimming competition category at the 2023 World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships in Netanya, Israel.
Annam who showcased exceptional talent and composure on the global stage, emerged as one of the two best 50-metre freestyle junior female swimmers in the world at the championship with an official time of 24.95 seconds.
The skillful swimmer who was ignored by the Nigerian Sports Authorities in their selection of members of the Nigerian contingent to the Championships, however, participated as an American athlete having been selected to represent Team USA.
In the run-up to the competition, which began on Monday, September 4, Annam’s family based in Abuja drew the attention of the officials of the Nigerian Sports Association to her special talent and sought her invitation and inclusion in the Nigerian contingent to the global swimming competition.
However, after she failed to make the Nigerian contingent, Annam, who has been training and swimming all year round at Chelsea Piers Aquatics Club, Stamford, Connecticut under the tutelage of Coached Aaron Montgomery, represented Connecticut as the only junior athlete.
Her inclusion in the 2023-2024 USA Junior National Team was in recognition of her special talent, skill, and leadership abilities.
With significant waves in the competitive swimming world, Annam, who was scheduled to attend the US Olympic Trials in Indianapolis last June, had already achieved two Olympic trial cuts in the 50- and 100-meter freestyle events. Her two younger sisters, Ayaan and Anwara are also competitive swimmers and stand-outs in their respective events.
During the six-day Championship which climaxed Saturday, September 9, Annam was among over 600 young swimmers from more than 100 countries that participated in the competition.
Almost 100 family members, friends, as well as teammates from Staples High School Swim and Dive Club, and the Westport community gathered behind a special big-screen television mounted at the Westport Library in Connecticut to cheer Annam to victory in real time.
Annam’s mother, Ngassam Ngnoumen, who mingled with the cheering crowd at the Westport Library, thanked the Westport community Community for what she described as incredible support for Annam.
“Thank you everyone for the incredible support shown to Annam and my family. It shows community matters and great leadership matters. Thanks to everyone. We are truly grateful,” she said.
