Mariam Eniola Bolaji was born on September 21, 2005, in Ibadan, Nigeria, and grew up in Kwara State. As a child, Mariam Bolaji was passionate about tennis. However, her life changed when Coach Bello Oyebanji, a well-known Para sports coach, saw her potential in Para badminton. He encouraged her to switch sports, and she soon began training under his guidance.
At first, Mariam Bolaji faced challenges due to a lack of sponsorship, which limited her ability to compete in tournaments. However, in 2019, she got a big break when she attended the BCA Para badminton Athlete Workshop in Abuja, Nigeria. There, she qualified for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Female Participation Grant program. This grant gave her the financial support she needed to attend her first tournament and receive international classification as a Para badminton player.
Mariam Bolaji competes in the SL3 sport class, which is for athletes with lower limb impairments. Despite her early challenges, she quickly made a name for herself. In 2024, she won the women's singles SL3 title at the Spanish Para Badminton International in Victoria, Spain. She achieved a significant victory by defeating world number 6, Oksana Kozyna from Ukraine, to win the gold medal.
Mariam Bolaji dedication to Para badminton has earned her a place among the top players in the world. As of 2024, she is ranked 10th globally in her category. Her main goal is to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, a dream she has worked hard to achieve.
The influence of her late coach, Bello Oyebanji, continues to inspire Mariam Bolaji. His belief in her abilities and his guidance were key factors in her success. Mariam lives by the motto, "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
Today, Mariam Eniola Bolaji is a shining example of perseverance and determination. Her journey from a tennis enthusiast to a world-class Para badminton athlete shows that with hard work and the right support, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve great success. As she continues to represent Nigeria in international competitions, Mariam Bolaji remains an inspiration to many young athletes.
FAQs
1. What is Mariam Eniola Bolaji real name?
- Her full name is Mariam Eniola Bolaji.
2. How old is Mariam Eniola Bolaji?
- As of 2024, she is 18 years old, born on September 21, 2005.
3. What sport does Mariam Eniola Bolaji play?
- She plays Para badminton in the SL3 sport class.
4. What is Mariam Eniola Bolaji nationality?
- She is Nigerian.
5. Who is Mariam Eniola Bolaji coach?
- Her personal coach is Dina Abouzeid Sarinena.
6. What are Mariam Eniola Bolaji major awards and achievements?
- She won the women’s singles SL3 title at the 2024 Spanish Para Badminton International and is ranked 10th in the world in her category.
7. What is Mariam Eniola Bolaji current world ranking in Para badminton?
- As of 2024, she is ranked 10th globally in the SL3 category.
8. What is Mariam Eniola Bolaji educational background?
- Information about her specific educational background is not provided, but she grew up in Kwara State, Nigeria.
9. What inspired Mariam Eniola Bolaji to switch from tennis to Para badminton?
- She was encouraged to switch sports by her late coach, Bello Oyebanji, who saw her potential in Para badminton.
10. What are Mariam Eniola Bolaji career goals?
- Her main ambition is to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
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