Okagbare enjoyed playing football and basketball during her high school years. However, she realised her potential in athletics after a physical education teacher encouraged her to race. Her first race was a success, leading her to pursue a career in athletics. She credits her sister for recognising her talent and setting her on this path.

Training Regime

Her training includes running, cardio exercises, and weight lifting. Practice sessions usually start at 11:00 and continue until 15:00. On non-training days, she follows a stretching routine to maintain flexibility and prevent injuries.

Injuries and Recovery

In July 2015, Okagbare suffered a knee injury at the Diamond League event in Lausanne, Switzerland. Despite this setback, she returned to compete in Monaco later that month. In 2010, she opted out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi to undergo surgery for a stress fracture of her tibia.

Superstitions and Beliefs

Before each race, Okagbare listens to music that inspires her. She prefers songs about victory and success to boost her morale. Her sporting philosophy revolves around setting goals and staying focused on them without giving up.

Awards and Honours

Okagbare's achievements include being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Texas El Paso in 2017. She was named the 2013 Athlete of the Year by the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the 2010 Conference USA Female Athlete of the Year.

Milestones

Okagbare is the first Nigerian athlete to win two individual medals at the World Championships. She secured a silver medal in long jump and a bronze medal in the 200m at the 2013 championships held in Moscow.

Beijing Medal Upgrade

In January 2017, Okagbare received an upgraded silver medal from the long jump event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This upgrade followed the disqualification of Russian athlete Tatiana Lebedeva due to a doping offence. Okagbare had originally finished third in that competition.

Further Education

Okagbare has also pursued a master's degree in public administration, communications, and sports marketing at Texas Tech University. She believes that there is more to life than being just an athlete and aims to speak to people about her experiences.

Other Activities

Besides her athletic career, Okagbare has volunteered as an assistant athletics coach at Texas Tech University. Her diverse interests highlight her commitment to both personal growth and contributing to the sports community.

Blessing Okagbare's journey from high school sports to international athletics showcases her dedication and resilience. Her achievements serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes worldwide.