High jumper Mike Edwards had committed his future to Nigeria and is in Australia to represent the country before a shock IAAF decision stopping him from doing so. In this interview, he tells Idris Adesina why he snubbed Britain for Nigeria
As the current British high jump champion, why did you honour the Nigerian invite?
I wanted to break the cycle and lead the way for Nigeria’s future high jumpers and athletes in general.
What are your targets competing for Nigeria?
My targets are to keep raising the bar on and off the track.
You are also of Jamaican origin. Why did you not choose Jamaica, a renowned athletic nation, over Nigeria?
Nigeria is my roots. That’s where I’m from, hence the reason to represent Nigeria.
What was the attraction to Nigeria for you?
The love from the community right from the beginning has been incredible and it definitely helped my decision.
How much of Nigeria do you know before you decided to compete for Nigeria?
The only thing I knew was that if I didn’t switch to Nigeria it would be a huge regret.
You have a cigar company. But cigar and sports do not mix. Why did you opt for such business as a popular sportsperson?
I chose cigar due to longevity. I’m not going to be a sportsperson forever and I will have a life after sports.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was adventurous, I was raised in Moss Side an inner city of Manchester before moving to Florida. I learned to adapt quickly.
Did you encounter racism?
Yes of course. I’m a black man in Britain.
Did you always want to become an athlete?
Yes, from as long as I could remember I’ve wanted to become a professional sportsperson. I just didn’t know what sport.
How challenging was it becoming the current British champion? What was the journey like?
The road started in 2014, I finished last place at that year’s British Indoor Championship. I’ve since went on to win bronze and two silvers at the championship, my appetite kept growing hungrier each time I didn’t win. I also switched coaches to join Cliff Rovelto based in Kansas which has been incredible.
Who has been your toughest opponent?
The high jump bar – it’s undefeated never lost.
What are your best and worst moments?
Winning moment at the British Championship was special but making the Nigerian team and being in the village here in Australia is pretty awesome. I don’t keep track of my worst moments so it’s hard to recollect.
Are you hoping to assist young Nigerian athletes?
Yes, I’d love to assist younger athletes first by leading by example
Who has been your role model in athletics?
My fiancé Perri Shake-Drayton, she’s a warrior and true inspiration for anyone facing adversity; she’s a true example of never giving up and still continues to chase her dreams.
What are your favourite Nigerian foods?
Pounded yam.
Have you visited Nigeria? What memories of the country do you have?
Yes I last visited when I was around three.
How do you handle criticisms and your fans?
I’m open, honest and tell it how it is. I don’t like to keep secrets.
Punch
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