Morolake Akinosun: US runner who tweeted dream about Olympic victory makes it a reality

The high school student predicted her own Olympic success

Morolake Akinosun (L) and Ariana Washington (R) run in the first round of the Women's 100 Meter's Dash during the 2016 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials (Getty Images)

A runner who tweeted her dream of securing a place in the 2016 Olympics five years ago in a tweet has made that dream come true.

Aged 17, high school student Morolake Akinosun said that in 2016 she will have accomplished two things: graduating and being chosen to compete in the Olympics.

Akinosun was inspired to send the tweet after watching World Championships for track and field.

On 30 July 2016, five years after sending it and after qualifying in Oregan trials for the USA Olympic team, she followed up her tweet with a second one proving what perseverance and determination can achieve.

“At the time I tweeted that out, it was more of a dream and an aspiration,” Akinosun told BuzzFeed. “A goal has to be somewhat realistic. I wasn’t on the level yet and I didn’t know for sure that I would ever get there, but I for sure wanted to get there.”

“If you have a dream, I want to encourage girls to go ahead and go after it, no matter how big it is, no matter how many people think your dream is unachievable,” Akinosun added. “It’s yours — go for it.