By Tony Nezianya
Ànnaba, Algeria – August 3, 2025 — Fresh off a gold-medal victory at the inaugural African School Games, cyclist Grace Osaretin-Godwin is already setting her sights on an even bigger prize on a youth Olympic medal in 2026.
An African city of Dakar, Senegal would host the youth Olympic Games for first next year.
For Osaretin-Godwin, the victory is the culmination of a journey that began just recently.
“To think I only started in this sport two and a half years ago in Benin,” she shared.
She credits a growing cycling community in her hometown Benin for her rapid development.
“I am being guided by a number of coaches in Benin, where cycling is becoming a culture,” Osaretin-Godwin explained.
“We have father figures like Dr. Emma Igbinosa, who was a rider in his younger days.
He and other experienced cyclists like Senior Esse are opening my eyes and those of my teammates to what’s possible in this sport.”
According to her, the gold medal she won was a “dream come true,” and she was quick to praise her support system.
“My current coach, OmozusibMoses has been incredibly supportive, and my teammate, Devine Pgbe, who came with me for these Games was essential,” she emphasized.
Coach Moses said he loved these cyclists. They are like my children; anything I give to my child I also extend to them.
”I try to o cajole them that Training is the harder exercise but but that competition is simpler one.
I also endeavoured teach the virtuted discipline and and hard work. ”
Osaretin noted that even though she ran the race, her teammate, Ogbe, also worked for my success, doing a lot of blocking to help propel me ahead of the pack.”
