Vivian Chukwuemeka carpets AFN

Ignoring the sad events back home, the Azusa state University undergraduate told Nigeriasports.com that she is looking forward to a good Olympic outing pointing at her glowing performance for her school in a recent Mountain T Invitational at Northern Arizona University.

In their only true indoor meet prior to the NAIA championships, Azusa Pacific men's and women's track and field teams got what they wanted in the Mountain T Invitational at Northern Arizona University.

A full contingent of Cougars posted 36 season-best marks from the sprints to the field events bringing the total number of NAIA championship qualifiers to 26, an even 13 for the women and 13 for the men.

Importantly, Azusa Pacific coaches Mike Barnett and Kevin Reid deliberately avoided running their athletes in the distance races and longer relays, assuming the high altitude of Flagstaff, Ariz., would negate any potential qualifying efforts.Everywhere else, though, the Cougars excelled.

On the women's side, NAIA champion Vivian Chukwuemeka wowed the crowd with a personal-best and winning throw of 63-6 in the 20-pound weight, shattering by 3 feet her previous school record set last year.

"That was a nice little surprise", said Barnett, "Because that is better than what Vivian has been practicing in recent weeks".

Ahead Olympic games

Few days after her heroic performance, the Nigerian was surprised to be tracked.

"I am surprised you are following me around but it gives me joy that someone take interest in my performances" she told Nigeriasports.com on phone from the United States.

"I think it is still early days to speak on my chances and my readiness but I hope to be in good shape by the middle of May right now I think am just getting there"

Vivian who doubles as the current commonwealth and African shot put champion is perturbed about happenings back home that she wishes for a better change before the Olympics proper.

Discarding reports of a new wave of change in the AFN after the 8th All Africa game that was hosted in Nigeria last October, Vivian voiced her anger over the wrong impression.

"What happened at the All Africa games in Abuja was not the effort of the AFN or anybody but the determination and collective efforts of the athletes" she recalls

Sounding loud and concerned, the commonwealth and African record holder informed Nigeriasports.com that like others before her, she is being treated like a rebel for asking for her dues, for representing the country.

"It saddens the heart to recalling the system back home and I am being fingered as a rebel and a stubborn athlete for asking for my rights" she explained.

"We keep hearing same stories that we cannot go to championships or get sponsors easily but I think that is illogical" says the ebony beauty.

"We have a good deal with our official kitty (FILA) but year in year out; we hear nothing about the money. Same money other countries in Africa relies on to improve their athletes and association, it is so pathetic hence they will still call me a rebel for saying all the right things"

"I feel like crying each time I hear that the sports ministry is not releasing money, it is sickening hearing that because we can make good use of our little resources courtesy FILA"

Against all odds

Aware of the cabal in the AFN, Vivian slams the body for the poor manner athletes are being treated "I know some people there in the AFN do not like my face, they keep saying am confrontational but am only being myself. We will keep losing our athletes to other nations if we continue with these terrible trends" she added

"Disgrace of Paris would not have been if athletes are regarded first as the major players and not stooge they made us look like back then"

"They keep saying I use to be a good girl but that I have changed; I wonder whatthey hope to achieve by not being focused and fair".

Better days ahead

Vowing to keep representing the country as long as she lives, Vivian sounded more philosophical in her analyses of expectations.

"I know good things last but bad people don't so I am optimistic of better days ahead"

Predicting a personal outing in Greece, the Delta state born Chukwuemeka foresees a great challenge at the Olympics.

"To be honest the Olympics is a bigger stage and platform for all comers and I know it won't be easy but I promise to give my all to repeat the glory of the Manchester games" she concluded.