SAN ANGELO, Texas — A former Angelo State University track & field athlete is headed to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Daisy Osakue is a national champion discus thrower for the Rambelles and will be competing in this event for her home country of Italy. Osakue is believed to be the first Olympian from Angelo State since Tranel Hawkins competed in the 400-meter hurdles during the 1984 Olympics.
“Just shows you how hard work pays off, no matter where you come from, no matter where you start from, no matter how behind you are from others," Osakue said. "If you really want something and you really work to achieve what you want you can really obtain what you desire."
Osakue wasn’t always a discus thrower. She started playing tennis in her early years followed by competing in sprinting events for track. It wasn’t until her late teen years when she became a discus thrower and the rest is history.
“Since 2014 to now I’ve been a full time discus thrower," Osakue said. "This gave me the opportunity to come to Angelo State and get an education, meet a great program, friends and just have fun.”
While at ASU, Osakue dominated from 2017-2021. She was an eight-time All-American as a Rambelle and broke the longest discus throw in the history of NCAA Division II in 2019. The coronavirus impact in 2020 did not slow her down at all.
“The pandemic had the 2020 season postponed," Osakue said. "This gave me the opportunity to work harder, do some extra models to work harder and get the opportunity. I can't deny that going to the Olympics was already in the back of my mind.”
Osakue will officially leave for Tokyo as early as July 22.