Seventeen-Year-Old Abdul Adama Delivers Nigeria’s Breakthrough Medal at Junior Worlds

Abdul Jabar Adama made history for Nigeria on Saturday, August 23, becoming the nation’s first swimmer to win a medal at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. The 17-year-old captured silver in the men’s 50m butterfly in Otopeni, Romania, finishing behind Great Britain’s Dean Fearn.

Adama touched the wall in 23.64 seconds in the final, just off the 23.48 he swam in the semifinals the previous day. Still, the performance secured Nigeria’s breakthrough medal and added to a series of record-breaking swims for the teenager. His semifinal time lowered the Nigerian national record he had set earlier that same morning in the preliminary heats, when he clocked 23.61. Before arriving in Otopeni, Adama already held the record with a 23.81 set in April at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships.

The silver medal builds on an impressive 2024 season for Adama. In May, he was named Best Male Athlete at the 3rd Africa Junior Swimming Championships in Cairo, where he powered Nigeria to a third-place team finish. He won three gold medals at the continental event — in the 50m butterfly, 50m freestyle, and 100m freestyle — and twice broke the championship record in the 50m butterfly on the same day.

Fearn, 17, was the fastest swimmer throughout the competition and won gold in 23.54. The Czech Republic’s Jan Foltyn earned bronze with 23.65, just a hundredth of a second behind Adama.

Adama, who trains at Mount Kelly School in the United Kingdom, frequently competes against Fearn. After turning 17 earlier this month, he now has his sights set firmly on the future. Speaking after his race, Adama welcomed the news that 50m stroke events will be part of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He reflected on his meeting with U.S. Olympic gold medallist Cullen Jones during the championships — an encounter that reinforced his own Olympic ambitions.

It’s been a fantastic experience. The environment and the pool have been excellent, and the meet was very well run.

I’ve met so many new people and made friends I wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s great to see so many talented swimmers at a meet just for juniors.

My start was a bit rocky — my first races didn’t go as I wanted — but I stayed focused. To come away with a silver medal is really rewarding. I didn’t swim my best in the final, but my semifinal time was a personal best, which is always satisfying.

I’m more focused on racing than the times in the final — it’s about getting your hand on the wall first. I’ve raced Dean Fearn, the gold medalist, many times, and it’s always fun. He’s a great competitor.

I train at Mount Kelly School in the UK with my coach, Emma Collins-Barnes. She couldn’t be here, but she’s been sending advice and support from back home.

This medal is a step in the right direction and a big motivation for what’s next. I hope to increase my tally next year.

I also had the chance to meet U.S. Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones during the championships. He’s been an idol of mine, and it was inspiring to meet him. I don’t want to repeat his career, but I’d like to do something similar.

The news that 50m events are being added to the Olympics was amazing. I’m definitely stronger in the 50s, so it’s exciting that they’ll now be part of the Olympic program. Next season, I’ll work on the 100s, but the 50s are my specialty.

I’ll take a short break of about two weeks, then get straight back into training. I’m always looking to improve, and I love racing.

I’m 17 and going into Year 13, my final year before university. I plan to study in the United States because of the facilities, and swimming will continue to be a big part of my journey.

Seventeen-Year-Old Abdul Adama Delivers Nigeria’s Breakthrough Medal at Junior Worlds

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