Reigning African men’s singles table tennis champion, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, has lamented that he almost quit the game following depression he encountered four years ago.
Omotayo who is making Olympic debut at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 alongside Aruna Quadri, Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong, believes he has been toughened to withstand any challenge in life.
“It took me four years to get to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A few years ago I was battling with depression, gave up on playing table tennis and relocated to New York City where my mum and sister live,” begins Omotayo who defeated compatriot, Aruna Quadri to win the 2019 African Games gold in Rabat, Morocco.
“After watching the Rio 2016 Olympics, it made me think twice about giving up. So I picked myself up and got back in the game. But behind my joy, smiling face lie many struggles and setbacks I had to overcome. Facing my struggles head on taught me how to be more resilient and fight for my dreams. Facing my challenges allowed me to grow as a person and as a table tennis player.
“Today I could not be more proud to be in Tokyo training for my first match in the 2020 Olympic Games, and representing my beloved country.
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“My wish is that my story will inspire and motivate so many souls out there. I promise that whatever you set your mind to, yes, you can achieve it. I am living testimony and proof if I can do it, you can too.”
The Lagos State-born ping-ponger acknowledged that Quadri, who remains the only African to play in the quarter-final of the Olympics, gave his career a new lease of life.
“Quadri Aruna’s match after defeating Timo Boll of Germany at the Rio 2016 Olympics motivated me in a big way to get back in the game. And I have made many sacrifices to get here today. I have not laid eyes on my mum ever since I left New York four years ago. And while it hurts deeply and I think of her and miss her every single day, I know I would not be where I am now without massive sacrifice. Hard work works guys.
“My gratitude and love go to my family and friends who have been supporting me since the beginning of my journey. Thanks also to Aruna Quadri and his wife for always being there to encourage me with words and action, the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation for the privilege to represent my beloved country, which I dearly love so much. And a very special thank you to my fans all over the globe, I love you.”
Omotayo said his focus remains how to excel at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as he makes debut against a Portuguese opponent.
“Now it’s time to get to business and fight for a place in the men’s singles second round spot. I am playing against Tiago Apolonia from Portugal and now is the time I need you guys the most. Your support and prayers go such a long way. Wish me luck,” Omotayo said.