China-born Nigerian swimmer Nwandu aims for personal best

Seventeen-year-old Nigerian swimmer Adaku Nwandu is aiming to set a new personal best at the Paris 2024 Olympics and is thrilled to represent Nigeria on this grand stage, according to NIGERIA NEWS 247.

Nwandu, who was born in China to a Nigerian father and a Chinese mother, began her journey with the Nigerian team after competing in the National Sports Festival in Asaba in 2022. Despite her father’s roots in Enugu, she represented Bayelsa in that event, helping them achieve a new national record of 9:28:30 in the women’s 4×200m freestyle.

Qualified for the Olympics through her World Aquatics (FINA) ranking, Nwandu will compete in the women’s 50m freestyle on Saturday.

“It feels so real, and I’m incredibly excited. I never expected this opportunity in my swimming career, but I’m thrilled to be here with such amazing athletes,” Nwandu shared with Making of Champions. “I’m definitely aiming for a new personal best. I’m focusing on staying clear-headed and not overthinking, taking it as easy as possible.”

Her current best time in the women’s 50m freestyle is 25.60 seconds, achieved at the 10th Singapore National Championships in November 2023.

Nwandu also recounted the beginning of her swimming career, noting, “I started swimming at eight years old. After a poor performance at a school competition, I asked my dad if I could get a reward if I did better. He promised me ice cream once a week.”

The women’s 50m freestyle is Team Nigeria’s sole event on Saturday, with Nwandu competing in heat 6 alongside seven other swimmers. To advance to the semifinals, she must be among the fastest 16 of the 79 competitors.