Olympian Ruks Bazunu has emphasized the need for enhancements in the technical management of the annual Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays, particularly regarding time management. Currently on vacation in Warri, the USA-based GCU Relays Ambassador strongly recommends the use of modern track tools, such as starter guns, that align with global best practices and World Athletics standards.
“We really need to navigate around the police permits that restrict the use and transportation of blank starter guns to the venues,” Bazunu said. He added, “These guns are finely tuned to work with Time Tronics photo finish equipment, providing accurate times for the athletes.”
Bazunu pointed out the necessity for significant improvements in various areas of time management. “This starts from athlete screening and accreditation to the swift allocation of lanes for Technical Officials, processing in the call room, making finishing line judgments, and the collating and announcement of results.”
Reflecting on his past, Bazunu, who earned the title of the fastest schoolboy sprinter in Nigeria in the late 1960s, fondly recalled his experiences at the 1972 Munich Olympics and the 1973 All Africa Games in Lagos. “At the 1972 Munich Olympics, I was the only civilian competing in the 100m sprints and 4 x 100m relays. My teammates—Oyebanmi, Alani, Ojo, Kola, and Majekodunmi—were from the military and police.”
He reminisced, “All of those names, including Modupe Oshikoya, made up the 1973 All Africa Games athletics team. Those were glorious days for Nigeria’s track and field.”
Looking ahead to this year’s GCU Relays, Bazunu offered his insights. “My advice would be that there’s always room for improvement, especially in the areas of timekeeping and professionalism.”
The 6th edition of the annual GCU Relays is set to take place on November 9, 2024, at the Modern Tartan Tracks, which are currently undergoing some repairs.
