London 2012: Akinyemi claims Africa’s K1 spot

Akinyemi

The 2012 African Slalom Championships was concluded on Sunday with one of the biggest upsets yet in the race to qualify for the

The 2012 African Slalom Championships was concluded on Sunday with one of the biggest upsets yet in the race to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games this summer. The first place, title of African Slalom Men’s K1 Champion, and the all important Olympic ticket went to Johnathan Akinyemi of Nigeria.

Beijing 2008 bronze medallist Benjamin Boukpeti (Togo) had to settle for second best in the competition held in Bethlehem, South Africa after failing to secure the first place finish required to qualify for the London Games.

Akinyemi’s father who also serves as his manager is Nigerian-born. The canoeist, who has benefited exposure through Nigeria Olympic Committee IOC scholarship, has become the first Nigerian to be at the Olympics in the less known event.