‘I Started as a Sprinter’ – National Bronze Medalist Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha shares her Journey from Track to Throws

The women’s discus throw national bronze medalist, Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha, is rapidly becoming a force to reckon with on the national and continental stage.

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A former sprinter turned throws specialist, Ruqqayah’s journey has been marked by determination, resilience, and raw talent, a combination that has helped her rise through the ranks to become one of Nigeria’s brightest hopes in discus and shotput.

From Sprinting to Discus: A Natural Transition

“My journey started on the track. I was introduced to athletics through sprinting, but as time went on, I realised I had a natural flair for throws,” Ruqqayah shared.

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That realisation would change the trajectory of her sporting life. She soon focused on discus, and with consistent training and a passion for improvement, the results began to show.

Ruqqayah’s resume is nothing short of impressive, Gold medalist at the FISU trials, Champion at the West African University Games (WAUG), FASU Champion, National Sports Festival (NSF) Champion and most recently, a bronze medalist at the AFN National Championships.

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“I’m thrilled to have finished 3rd. It’s a great achievement considering the level of competition. Every thrower out there was hungry,” she said of her most recent medal.

Pushing Through Pain: A Story of Resilience

Behind her medals lies a journey of struggles, injuries, and comebacks.

“I hit rock bottom when I suffered a serious injury that kept me out of competition for months. It was one of the hardest periods of my life, physically and mentally,” Ruqqayah admitted.

But instead of giving up, she doubled down. “That setback made me realise the importance of perseverance and hard work. I came back stronger.”

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As someone who’s battled through adversity, Ruqqayah is passionate about mentorship and motivation.

“To young athletes going through tough times, I say: stay focused, work hard, and believe in yourself. Success doesn’t come overnight, but it does come with time, discipline, and patience.”

Eyes on the Olympics

With her sights now set on improving her personal bests and winning national titles, Ruqqayah’s long-term goal is clear, “To compete at the Olympics and win international medals for Nigeria.”

She draws inspiration from Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”