World Juniors Medalist Abdul Jabar Adama Plans to Take Talent to NCAA Ranks
When the World Junior Championships concluded over the weekend, athletes from 25 countries captured at least one medal. Among the nations represented on the podium was Nigeria, which saw Abdul Jabar Adama pick up a bronze medal in the 50-meter butterfly. The effort marked the first time Nigeria medaled at a major international competition.
The United States could soon get a closeup look at the African star.
“I’m 17 and going into Year 13, my final year before university,” Adama told World Aquatics correspondent Greg Eggert. “I plan to study in the United States because of the facilities, and swimming will continue to be a big part of my journey.”
Adama will be a top recruit for an American college, an athlete who will not only provide a spark in the sprint events, but also offer versatility in relay action. The teenager currently attends secondary school in the United Kingdom and earlier this year competed at the British Championships.
At World Juniors, Adama won the silver medal in the 50 fly in 23.64, after clocking a career best and Nigerian record of 23.48 in the semifinals. Adama also advanced to the final of the 50 freestyle, where he finished seventh in 22.39. He went 22.21 in prelims and 22.32 in the semifinals, the prelims swim a national record.
In addition to holding Nigerian records in the 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly, Adama owns national standards in the 100 freestyle (50.41) and 100 butterfly (53.58).
