By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Mr Nojim Maiyegun, Nigeria’s first Olympic medallist has died at the age of 85.
The former boxer, who made history by winning a bronze medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, died in Vienna, Austria, where he had lived for many years after relocating from Nigeria.
The legendary boxer had been in and out of the hospital over the past six months, and his condition, particularly his visual impairment, had worsened in the days leading up to his death on Monday.
The sad news of Maiyegun’s death was confirmed by Stephen Ogboh, a Nigerian acquaintance residing in Austria to Sports Village.
Maiyegun’s death comes just days after the 60th anniversary of his historic achievement on August 10, 1964, when he secured Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic medal.
Competing in the light middleweight category at the Tokyo Olympics, Maiyegun claimed a bronze medal, sharing the podium with Poland’s Józef Grzesiak after both athletes were defeated in the semifinals.
At the time, the Olympic tradition did not include a third-place bout, so both semifinal losers were awarded bronze.
His remarkable performance in Tokyo ended Nigeria’s 12-year medal drought at the Olympics, which began with the country’s debut at the Helsinki 1952 Games.
Maiyegun’s achievement not only brought Nigeria its first Olympic medal but also inspired future generations of Nigerian athletes to excel on the global stage.
