Coach Kayode Yaya: Shares His Remarkable Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Athletics Purpose

 Coach Kayode Yaya: Shares His Remarkable Journey of Passion, Perseverance, and Athletics Purpose  





Coach Kayode Yaya’s story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a coach who guided Ese Brume to an Olympic medal, his remarkable journey from a starry-eyed young boy inspired by Carl Lewis to a mentor shaping future champions is both inspiring and transformative.  


Early Days: The Spark of a Dream 

Coach Yaya’s love for athletics was ignited while watching the Los Angeles 1984 and Seoul 1988 Olympics. Though young, these moments planted a seed in him. “I thought I would love to race like that and be the fastest man in the world,” he recalls. His natural talent quickly set him apart, earning recognition even in his early physical education classes. Teachers marveled at his speed, and he consistently outpaced his peers, eventually running with older, more experienced athletes.  


One of his earliest inspirations was Carl Lewis. “He was electrifying!” Yaya reminisces.  


The Transition to Coaching  

Though initially ambivalent about coaching, Yaya found purpose in mentoring young athletes. “I was motivated first by the kids I was encouraging and, second, by my unfulfilled dream of becoming an Olympian. I vowed to produce Olympians,” he shares. His coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in a holistic approach that focuses on both the technical and personal growth of athletes.  


“I strive to create a positive, inclusive culture that prepares athletes for success in sports and beyond. It’s about building confidence, mental resilience, teamwork, and national pride, while embracing sportsmanship and fair play.”  


Successes and Challenges  

For Coach Yaya, the most rewarding moments are seeing his athletes excel on the global stage. Yet, the path hasn’t been without challenges. His biggest hurdle is imparting the intricate knowledge of the sport to athletes. “It’s like turning every stumbling block into a stepping stone—a setup for a step up to a rise up!” he explains.  


His faith plays a pivotal role in his journey. “I believe in transformation. Spend all your energy developing yourself to match the mental picture of your dream. Make it an art that becomes second nature.”  


The Olympic Moment and Ese Brume  

Guiding Ese Brume to an Olympic medal was a crowning achievement. “It’s like the icing on the cake,” Yaya says. “Everyone looks forward to getting an Olympic medal. It was remarkable, and I feel truly blessed.”  


Yaya’s relationship with Brume is built on mutual respect and understanding. “We must correctly appropriate things to avoid contempt. Orderliness is key to remaining productive. ‘First things first’ has always been our slogan,” he explains.  


When asked to describe Ese Brume in one word, Yaya doesn’t hesitate: “Loyalty.”  


Building Future Champions  

Beyond Brume, Yaya has nurtured several athletes who have shone on the national stage, including Tega Odele, Omeiza Akerele, Prestina Ochonogor, and Hope Ideh, among others. He also mentors athletes from other countries, reflecting his global impact.  


“My most treasured moments are seeing lives being imparted to cause impact. I love seeing people excel to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind.”  


Vision for Nigerian Athletics  

Yaya believes in transformation over mere change. “Always get to know a better version of yourself. Condition yourself to match the mental picture of your dream, regardless of challenges,” he advises. His ultimate goal for his athletes is to inspire them to embrace sacrifices that lead to transformation.  


Balancing Success and Well-being  

For Yaya, the well-being of his athletes is non-negotiable. Their happiness is mine as well. No pressure anywhere!” he asserts. His coaching approach aligns with his values: adaptability, clear communication, and unwavering faith.  

 

Coach Kayode Yaya’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and purpose. His legacy lies not just in the medals his athletes win but in the lives he transforms. Through his work, he continues to inspire a generation, proving that with the right mindset and guidance, greatness is attainable.

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