With his family watching from the stands, Babatunde Smith claimed victory in the Youth boys’ High Jump with a new Personal Best of 1.93m on his Nigerian debut at the MTN CHAMPS Ibadan.
Babatunde Smith claimed victory in the Youth boys’ High Jump with a new MTN CHAMPS age category record and a Personal Best.
Smith finished ahead of Ehuwa Obanla (1.80m) and Rex Awode (1.70m) at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Babatunde Smith Background: From Ukraine To Nigeria
According to the Making of Champions, Smith turned down scholarships in the US and UK, making the decision with his father to train in Nigeria.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mum, Smith’s journey has taken him from Ukraine to Ireland and now to Nigeria.
He has been training in Nigeria for the last 8 months since making the move.
The Smiths are a sporting family with his younger brother competing in both the Long Jump and 100m events.
Babatunde Smith and his brother are eligible to represent Nigeria and Ukraine.
New Country, New Personal Best
Before coming to Ibadan, Smith’s personal best was 1.90m, and he subsequently improved the mark in his first competition in Nigeria.
After recording a new PB of 1.93m, he made a further attempt to improve to 1.96m, but couldn’t execute.
His entry into the local scene and the possibility of choosing Nigeria further expand the growing Nigerian potential in the high jump.
He joins the likes of Best Erhire and Prince Fiaku, among other young stars, pushing into new heights.
