Nigerian table tennis icon, Olufunke Oshonaike has announced her participation in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and her eight appearances at the quadrennial sports fiesta.
Strikingly, the 50-year-old will not be in action but will be contesting a position in the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission during the Games.
She gave the hint on Sunday, calling on all Olympians all over the world to vote for her.
“Yes, I will be at the Paris 2024 Olympics. It’s going to be my 8th Olympic Games, but not as a playing athlete, but a step higher and another big challenge. I am very happy and excited to have qualified to be one of the IOC AC election candidates. It’s really a big privilege. I will be happy to be a voice representing all the Olympians all over the world. To all the Olympians all over the world, vote for Olufunke Oshonaike. I speak the language of Olympians.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission comprises 15 members who represent athletes within the Olympic Movement and support them to succeed in their sporting and non-sporting careers.
Oshonaike holds the record as the first female athlete to participate in seven editions of the Olympic Games, having competed in the women’s singles at Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, and 2020.
