Nigerien Rower Issaka Inspires Spectators With Determination

Despite being far behind, Nigerien rower Hamadou Djibo Issaka keeps rowing as he listens to the cheers of the crowd watching. (AP Photo)

Prior to May, Hamadou Djibo Issaka had probably never even heard of a single scull. After all, he was from Niger, a land-locked country consisting mostly of desert. Suddenly, Issaka was told by the Niger Swimming Federation to give up swimming and go to Egypt to try and learn rowing. While this may seem puzzling, many people don't realize that the IOC Tripartite Commission gives out wild card spots in given sports so that countries can send up to five athletes to participate in the Summer Olympics.

Despite having only three months to learn, the Nigeriens felt as though Issaka had a chance to be good enough to earn a spot in London. Issaka spent additional time training at the International Rowing Development Center in Tunisia. Despite the hard work, little changed over the course of time. Issaka admitted, "I have no technique. I only have strength." That didn't matter because he was named as one of the six athletes to compete for Niger at the Summer Olympics this month in London.

Issaka was discouraged from participating in the Opening Ceremony because of how close it was to his first race. He decided to attend anyway to honor his native people back home. When asked about the experience, Issaka exclaimed, "It was magnificent! I had never seen fireworks before in my life!" The next big experience for him was his first race.

Issaka rowed and rowed. His form wasn't consistent, but slowly he was making progress. As the race wore on, he became more tired and slowed even more. When the winner crossed the finish line, Issaka was still rowing in the middle of Dorney Lake. The crowd took notice and came to their feet. They cheered and urged Isska on. Even an announcer proclaimed, "You can do it!" Finally, his boat crossed the finish line, but the applause and cheers did not stop.

It didn't matter to the crowd that Issaka finished nearly 1 minute and 40 seconds after the winner and over a minute behind the second-to-last finisher. He had shown them something different. True determination and perseverance. After the race, Issaka was jubilant and thankful. He stated, "There were so many people encouraging me. I was happy to finish under their applause. Really, I am happy for the whole country.

This is what the Olympics is all about. There are many athletes like Issaka who inspire their fellow countrymen with their valiant efforts. They might not win medals or be the talk of social media, but what they are is inspirational. By one man's efforts, a crowd of people was reminded of that. Then, there was the media who witnessed or heard about it, such as myself, who was reminded of that. Now, there is the reader, you, who is reading this and are inspired. We have all been inspired to persevere, just as a humble man named Hamadou Djibo Issaka of Niger did in a single skull on Dorney Lake.