Representing Nigeria at Paris 2024 was a great experience – Ukpeseraye
Ukpeseraye Ese Ukpeseraye, the first athlete to represent Nigeria in cycling at the Olympics, discusses her journey into the sport, competing in Paris, winning eight medals at a single National Sports Festival, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO.How did you get started with cycling?
I got serious about cycling in 2013. My friend in the village, who always saw me riding local bicycles, introduced me to cycling. Gradually, I improved. I wanted to give up, but when I saw other women doing it, I persisted.
Was your family supportive of you taking up cycling?
First and foremost, my mother was aware of my love for my bicycle. When we went to the farm, I always rode my bike. I'm sorry she's not here now that I'm doing so well with cycling. I lost my parents some time ago. My mother supported me. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be where I am today because she let me stay somewhere else at a young age to learn to cycle. Even though I had bruises, she and my father continued to support me. Women have to work harder than men to be recognised as athletes.
How difficult has it been?
As a lady, I don't want to rely on anyone because I know what my mother has gone through. I try to be serious about what I'm doing because we are occasionally harassed on the road. People have told me to get a job and stop cycling. When I look at them, I get annoyed because some of them are street ladies. I'm fighting for my future; I make sure to keep pushing; and my sisters are always there for me, praying for me. My sport is very difficult. You may get into an accident that prevents you from cycling again. My siblings' prayers and support keep me going because they are the only ones I have right now.
What was it like to represent Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
It was an excellent experience. I believe I deserve some recognition for what I accomplished as the first Nigerian cyclist to represent the country at the Olympics. I proudly represented the green, white, and green, and I believe I helped to launch cycling in Nigeria. We can only move up from here.
What are your next goals?
I want to win an intercontinental competition now that I've won in Africa for Nigeria.
What are your most rewarding or proudest career moments?
Of course, participating in the Paris Olympics is one of them. Then, when I visited Asmara, Eritrea, in 2018, I won gold and silver. It was an African Cup event, but it was not widely recognised. However, I enjoyed travelling to another country to compete. And winning eight gold medals at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba, Delta State.
How did you manage to win eight gold medals at the 2022 National Sports Festival?
Before I went to Asaba, I decided that I wanted to win gold in all of my races. I am the type of person who takes advantage of every opportunity that comes her way because I am not going to be doing this forever. So, whenever I go to the festival, I work hard, and God makes everything easy for me. I had several crashes and accidents that could have killed me, but I persisted. Some events occurred that nearly prevented me from competing, but I persevered. I had bruises and my body hurt during the festival, but I stood up because I wanted to get all of the medals.
The first was that the bicycle I used did not meet my expectations. I'm actually glad I didn't get the bike because many people might have assumed that because I used a specific bike, I won all of the medals. The bicycle arrived after the festival, and I'm glad I didn't need it.
In what events did you win eight gold medals?
My first event was mixed relays with both boys and girls; the second was team pursuit (3 km), followed by a road race, an elimination race, individual time trials, a 200m sprint, a 500m sprint, and a 1km sprint. I participated in every cycling event.
What did winning eight gold medals mean for you?
Some will assume it's because of the money. I'm very glad I worked for something. Nobody had ever done what I did in cycling. I could not believe it. Even if I can't do it again, I'll be remembered as the only person to have done so, and people will talk about it in the future. I'm extremely happy.
What else would you have done besides cycling?
I would go into business. I don't want to work for anyone because I lack the strength to handle the insults.
Do you think cycling is properly recognised in Nigeria?
It is not. When we travel and return with medals, we hear nothing about it, whereas other sports are all over social media.
Do you believe the Nigeria Cycling Federation is making enough effort to promote cycling?
They are trying, but Nigerians have a tendency to only focus on what they enjoy. I believe cycling can still receive the recognition it deserves, but perhaps by then I will have stopped. However, younger cyclists will enjoy it.
Do you believe there are enough competitions in cycling?
Cycling is difficult. At the previous festival, there were numerous competitions, and I nearly lost several times. I was scared, but I had to push through it and concentrate on my goals.
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