Nigerian chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, has revealed that he set the new world record for the longest chess marathon in Times Square amidst his fears, uncertainty, and failing health.
Tunde, who broke the record on Saturday maxing 60 hours, expressed gratitude to his supporters on Wednesday, revealing that he felt unwell both during the marathon preparation and before heading to Times Square.
The chess master revealed that the ambitious endeavour began with a bold decision to cancel his return flight to Nigeria and pursue the audacious goal of breaking the world record.
“But two days before the record attempt, my health failed me. It was so bad I had started sneezing blood, and coughing violently,” Onakoya started narrating his ordeal.
“I have struggled to find the right words to capture all of the emotions I’ve felt in the last couple of days-it is indeed one of those weeks when decades happened.
“I had woken up in the middle of the night some two weeks ago, cancelled my flight back home and decided to pursue this crazy idea of breaking the world record right in the heart of Times Square.”
Tunde stated that on the day of the attempt, despite his failing health, he was greeted by an outpouring of support from fellow Nigerians and well-wishers who rallied around him with flags and flowers.
He said: “With tears in my eyes, I walked up to the chess board and did it afraid, unwell, uncertain but with a resolute mind.”
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Additionally, The chess master called the 60 hours of chess marathon “mental torture,” saying he pushed human limitation and gave the world something new to believe in.
However, he emphasized the joy he felt from the wave of support gotten from Nigerians both in the diaspora and at home. He then thanked those who travelled far and wide to sit with him in the cold for hours.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to his journey, Tunde emphasized that this achievement belongs to the collective efforts of many.
As he returns home, he eagerly anticipates sharing the message with the children under his care that their dreams are valid and achievable.
