Listen To The Star - Francis Obikwelu
mp3-Flash-Interviews by Ed Gordon
Francis Obikwelu
Today:FRANCIS OBIKWELU (POR)
Sprints
Born: 22 November 1978 in Nigeria
Residence: Lisbon
Obikwelu won the 200m bronze medal at the Seville World Championships in 1999 as a 20-year-old representing his native Nigeria. He did not compete in Edmonton because of his pending change of nationality, which became effective late last October.
He and his family had emigrated to Portugal in 1994 prior to the start of his international career.
Obikwelu won two gold medals at the 1996 World Junior Championships (100 and 200), and was the African 200m champion in 1999.
His career best in the 100m is 9.97, which he achieved in the Lausanne meet two years ago. In the 200m, his 19.84 in the Seville semifinals is the fastest time by any competitor who will be in Munich.
Standing 1.95m, Obikwelu is one of the tallest sprinters on the international circuit.
How has the recent change in your nationality altered your perspective towards international athletics?
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