By Ikenna Nwokedi
Anambra State contingent to the 7th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG) were placed 8th on the final medals' table with seven gold, six silver and nine bronze medals while Delta scooped 51 gold, 34 silver and 31 bronze medals to win the 7th NYG back to back.
In rounding off an exciting and fulfilling ten-day sports programme, Lucy Chiamaka Nwankwo of Team Anambra on Saturday, 30th September 2023 won the 100metres race final finishing in a time of 12.28 seconds for the coveted gold medal as the fastest under 15 girl at the games.
Lucy Nwankwo edged out another Anambra sensation Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo who returned second in a time of 12.33 seconds ahead of Favour Sunday of Delta who came third in the 100m event with 12.70 seconds.
Hitherto, Lucy Chiamaka Nwankwo led the quartet of Oluebube Ezechukwu, Adaeze Eze and Chigozie Nwankwo to win Gold on Friday in the 4X100 metres relay final for the girls.
13-year-old Lucy Nwankwo came to limelight during the 2022 edition of the All Anaocha Local Government Area Secondary School Athletics Championships organized by Patrick Estate Onyedum, who by then was the TC Chairman of Anaocha LGA and Chairman, Anambra Athletics Association.
Nwankwo also emerged the best athlete at the revamped first Anambra School Sports Festival held in May and June early this year.
The 7th NYG which concluded on Saturday, 30th September 2023 saw Anambra winning a total of 22 medals comprising of seven gold, six silver and nine bronze to surpass her last record of two gold, nine silver and three bronze medals achieved during the 6th edition of the games held at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.