Nigerian women’s table tennis legend Olufunke Oshonaike is loving her nursing profession, which she also described as challenging, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The record seven-time Olympian shared her excitement and worries upon her arrival in Hamburg, Germany, from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she narrowly missed out on a seat on the Athletes Commission of the International Olympics Committee.
The Bariga, Lagos-born, decried the loss of patience but was consoled by the privilege of performing the funeral rites.
”Returning from the Paris Olympic Games has been incredibly stressful, and though I desperately needed some time to rest, I had to jump back into my normal life as a nursing student right away. The hardest part was discovering that one of my favourite patients had entered palliative care. I lost her two days ago, but I was honoured to be the one to prepare her for her final journey. I never imagined I would have the strength to care for someone after they’ve passed, but I did it. Nursing is far from easy, yet I love it with all my heart, and I’m proud to see myself growing stronger and more capable each day. You truly never know what you’re capable of until you’re put to the test,” she wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday.
The indefatigable athlete recently narrated her experience during her eight appearances at the Olympic Games in Paris, where she got fagged out campaigning for votes across venues in order to secure one of the four athletes’ slots on the International Olympics Committee.
The statement titled My Journey to Paris 2024: Representing Nigeria read, “Paris 2024 was different from any Olympic experience I’ve had since 1996. This time, I wasn’t just competing—I was there to represent Nigeria in the IOC Athletes’ Commission election. Out of 100 athletes from around the world, I was one of the 30 chosen to compete for a spot, a moment of immense pride.
“When I saw the other candidates, I knew it would be a tough battle coming from a country with only 88 athletes. Many came from countries with larger contingents and more recognition. But I’m a fighter who believes that nothing is impossible.
“Campaigning was the most challenging experience of my Olympic career. From 10 AM to 9 PM for 15 days, I faced the heat, running after athletes for their votes. Some shunned me; others didn’t want to hear about politics, but a few listened. Despite the emotional rollercoaster—crying, exhaustion, losing my voice—I never gave up.
“In the end, I didn’t make the top 4, finishing 7th. It hurts, but I’m proud of my effort and grateful to those who supported me. Now, it’s time to return home to my kids, head held high, still believing that this isn’t the end. Thank you all for your support.
My analysis based on the final results and my personal experience on the field has since led me to the realisation that it will be difficult for any African representative to be elected because, in comparison to other continents, our contingents 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 four winners.”