Hannah Babalola
Babalola is one of Nigeria’s most consistent special athletes, and competes in the T54 category of the women’s 100m and 200m in Para-Athletics. Many people would have been discouraged by their disability, but not Babalola who has tried to rise above her circumstances by being the best she can be through sports.
In 2015, Babalola’s world ranking soared from No. 31 to No. 4 in 100m and No.2 in the 200m in her category. This was due to her consistent participation in international tournaments, some of which were funded by her efforts, or through the assistance of kind spirited individuals. At the 2015 Fazza International Athletics- IPC Grand Prix in Dubai, Babalola was outstanding, winning Gold medals in the 100m and 200m, and two Silver medals in the 400m and 800m respectively.
She qualified for the forthcoming Paralympic Games in Rio by winning the 100m at the 2016 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai in February, and will be making her debut at the Paralympics in September. She is also the African Record holder in the 100m with her time of 16.97 seconds.
