UNTAPPED POTENTIAL

With the Commonwealth Games coming to a close in merely two days, it makes me wonder: Why are things the way they are? Surely, you are aware of the matter on which I speak, and if you've been raised African, specifically Nigerian, you'd know it more. Even if you might not realize that you do, you will in a moment.

Taiwo Laidi, Chioma Onyekwere, and Adenike Olainoye? Do they ring any bells?

What about the dashing Awusan? No pun intended, but does it sound familiar yet?

Of course if you're a decent citizen who watches the news religiously, you would know that they are some of the outstanding females that have gained recognition in this year's Commonwealth Games. Fabulous as that may be, there remains one glaring issue with the names I've just mentioned. Have you guessed what it is? If you need a minute to think about it, I'll give it to you, but as always, being the quick witted person that you are, dear reader, I am sure you've figured it out by now. And you're correct, it is not the people who made these achievements that is the problem here, but it is the number of said people. It is how small that number is!

Needless to say that I was appalled by my initial shock in discovering that these ladies had achieved such feats. I wasn't just pleasantly surprised, I was taken aback by the fact that such immense talent thrived in a Nigeria currently filled with great uncertainty; though you didn't hear that from me. It is a time when insecurity is suffocating, the economy is failing, and the future, for most people, is more than a little frightening, and again don't quote me on this, but surely you can understand the reasons for my astonishment. Certainly, you would not have the misguided notion that I am one of those poor individuals who have no faith in their people's capabilities. Now that we are past the reasons for my initial shock, we can discuss how wrong it is to feel that way. I will admit I should not have been shocked, and the fact that I was is more a fault of society than it is mine. It lies in a society that I know does not actively support such endeavours as much as it should, one that sets no real standard to be challenged.

Let's be real for a moment. If you know anything about Nigeria, you would that the vast majority do not respect the complexities of sports. Do they appreciate the art? When it is time to share a few beers with a couple of friends over a football match, definitely, but admiration for recreational purposes is not nearly enough. It is not the same as respecting the art, the dedication, the blood, sweat, and tears it demands to be nurtured, to be trained, and to be sculpted into what can then be celebrated. It is more than testing the limits of physical skill, it is supporting those who do. Most people do not understand this. In truth, we all have that friend or relative that wished to be a footballer, but never voiced this passion in fear of being disowned. A talent, passion, or skill that was snuffed out by the limitations of society and unrealistic expectations of family. That is the shameful reality, sports is under-valued and even more so for females.

I would love to be that cool girl for you dear reader. You know, that tomboy who loves football and despises gowns because she has nine brothers and she's always been one of the guys- it's a stereotype -but unfortunately, I am not that girl. I adore dresses and high heels too much for that, but that's just it, isn't it? Loving a sport or participating in it has no effect on my feminity whats over. What I am passionate about and what I choose to do does nothing to the value of my personality and true nature. This means I can wear a ball gown and dribble faster than Messi- I exaggerate greatly -not for any reason other than it is what I choose, and that's more than okay.

Another thing is gymnastics, weightlifting, hockey, and swimming, just a tip off the iceberg that it sports, which is not limited to just a ball, 22 players, and a goal post. You have a world of options to choose from, ones that you could connect with. Do not let the glamour of popular sports fool you into believing that they are the only ones you can thrive in. All these reasons are why I should not have been shocked. I shouldn't be deliriously pleased with Nigeria garnering eleven medals from a total of over to hundred, which is a bit sad now I think about how much of an achievement I believed it to be at first, and neither should you dear reader.

Should we be grateful? Absolutely. We should always be grateful, especially when we've received the fruits of our labour, but do not mistake gratitude for satisfaction. Consequently, do not settle. It is when we sit content in this that we force others to do only the bare minimum. We have a long way to go, and what those amazing champions have done should not make us relax into a false sense of accomplishment, rather it should fuel your desire and give you breath-taking hope. Yes, that is what they've done, given us a chance to believe that such incredible talent is possible, that we do indeed possess potential beyond our wildest dreams if only we have the courage to acknowledge it.

Besides encouraging people with such potential, encourage yourself. Society may never truly change its habits but you must remember that it is people like you and I that it is made of, so be sensitive and be careful, but be brave. There is no denying that it is true, we are the future, and what we choose to do now does set the tone for tomorrow. We simply can't be the parents who would make their child with a passion for tennis study medicine because it is the "safer" choice, now that would be ridiculous to say the least.