Oluwasegun Makinde and Melissa Bishop closed out the 7th Francophone Games with a bang today, together bringing home a complete medal set.
Makinde kicked things off with gold in the 200m, winning in 20.80 seconds. It was the second gold of the week for the University of Ottawa student after helping the Canadian 4x100m team to victory. “I just continued to stay focused on the task at hand and not get distracted,” was how Makinde explained his victory today.
With his first individual medal on the international stage, he was unable to put the accomplishment into perspective, stating only, “I’m just thankful I was able to get it. Hopefully there will be more titles in my future. ” Heading into 2014 and a Commonwealth Games year, the victory is certainly a stepping stone for the young sprinter of 21 years. “It’s a great start to bigger things. Now it’s all about working hard, staying focused and executing when I need to. Hopefully things come together after that.”
Immediately following Oluwasegun’s performance, Melissa Bishop stepped onto the track, grabbing her first of two medals on the day as she was third across the line in the 800m. While she says 800m’s don’t always go as planned, she did reach the medal podium as desired despite a near fall with 100m to go. “I got tripped up the corner coming home and it threw me off a bit. First and second place were able to pull away but they were too far ahead by the time I got my rythym back. I was able to pull away from the rest of the field just couldn’t get to the first two,” recounted Bishop following the race.
However, Bishop wasn’t finished after the 800m, stepping back on the track less than two hours ago to take part in the 4x400m relay. Running on the second leg, Melissa helped the team to a 3:34.25 clocking and a silver medal. “The 4×400 was lots of fun! Very happy to be a part of that team and to be able to bring home two medals for Canada,” said the Eganville native. “My first two international medals are very rewarding; I know there is still lots left to come.” With the 2013 season now over and the focus shifting to the Commonwealth Games next July in Glasgow, Bishop still exercises some caution, explaining, “I don’t want to look too far ahead but every race you learn something new! “
