Michael Obasuyi was a deserving athlete until the age of 17. He never really stood out, yet 2018 became the year of his big breakthrough as an U20 athlete. He smashed the national U20 record in the 110m hurdles to 13”38, which made him a medal contender at the world U20 championships.
At these world championships in Tampere, Finland he would just miss out on the podium. His fourth place was the best performance ever by a male junior in our country until Jonathan Sacoor flew towards golden glory just one day later in the 400m final. “I always aim for perfection, which makes it hard to be satisfied after a race. I felt like I could have done better in the final if I did not make some minor mistakes, yet I do not think about that any longer. I have bridged the gap in between being a decent athlete and the top performers in the world in my age category. That gives me a huge confidence boost”, says Obasuyi.
Most athletes would end their season after a great performance at the world U20 championships, but not for the Belgian hurdler as he attempted to run the standard on the higher senior hurdles for the European championships in Berlin. He succeeded at a meet in Ninove with a new Belgian U20 record (13”75) at the high hurdles. In Berlin he would come near his own record twice in both the heats and semifinals. “The transition from 0,99m to the higher 1,06m hurdles showed that I have potential. Berlin was an even greater experience thanks to the huge stadium and crowd. Both mentally and physically I was on a high and I hope to experience more major championships like that in the upcoming years”, tells the hurdler.
The past winter did not go as planned because of a foot injury. The European indoor championships in Glasgow were a no go for the ambitious hurdler. “That was really too bad, because I was ready to perform well. I ran a decent 7”75 with only two normal hurdle sessions in the legs. That did gave me confidence towards the main goal, being this summer”, explains the athlete.
The upcoming months are all about the European U23 championships for the young Belgian. The AG Memorial Van Damme is also a goal. Two weeks ago he left for a training camp in Belek, Turkey. “Qualifying for the Europeans is my main goal. From the moment I reach the standard I will take some time to get back to training towards the championship itself. The world championships in Doha do come up sometimes, yet just like last year with Berlin I consider the bigger championship as a possible bonus. I really want to amaze myself again, without focusing on rankings or performances. I know there is a wildcard for a Belgian athlete at the Memorial and I hope it becomes mine. Knowing that I would run in a stadium with a crazy Belgian crowd must create an incredible adrenaline boost. Meanwhile I keep myself going because of the love for our wonderful sport”, adds Obasuyi.
