OPELIKA, Ala. — Thirty-five year-old Opelika resident Monzavious Edwards is headed to Rio for the Olympics. Representing the country of Nigeria, he will be the oldest competitor in the 100-meter dash.
Edwards has been running for quite some time. With his dual citizenship, he has competed for both Nigeria and the United States at the World Championships and Pan American games over the past 16 years. Until now, he has never made an Olympic squad, but he has never quit.
“You can never give up on your goals, it’s like a magnetic force you will get there if you keep your mind on that target, it will happen in two years, five or in my case 16, but it is going to feel good when you get there,” Edwards told WSFA.
At 35, he can still book it. Edwards’ official time in the 100 meter is 9.95 seconds and he averages a ridiculous 25.3 miles an hour on a treadmill.
Like many success stories, Edwards credits his mother for his strong perseverance. He told WSFA that she always told him “can’t never could.”
The Opelika High School grad will compete in the Rio Olympics which begin on Friday, August 5.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.