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Udodi Onwuzurike

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(Redirected from Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike) Nigerian-American sprinter (born 2003)

Udodi Onwuzurike
Personal information
Full nameUdodi Chudi Onwuzurike
NationalityAmerican, Nigerian
Born (2003-01-29) 29 January 2003 (age 21)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight70 kg (154 lb)
Sport
Country Nigeria
SportAthletics
EventSprinting
ClubStanford Cardinal
Achievements and titles
Personal bests
  • 100 m: 9.92 +1.4 (2023)
  • 200 m: 19.76 +0.6 (2023)
Medal record
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal – third place 2022 Birmingham 4×100 m relay
World U20 Championships
Gold medal – first place 2021 Nairobi 200 m

Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike (born 29 January 2003) is a sprinter who specializes in the 200 metres. Born in the United States, he represents Nigeria internationally. He was the gold medallist at the World Athletics U20 Championships in 2021. Onwuzurike competes collegiately for Stanford University and is an alumnus of Brother Rice High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

On 26 May 2023, he ran the 100 metres in 9.92 seconds at Sacramento becoming the 50th man to break 10 seconds for 100 metres and 20 seconds for 200 metres.

Early life and introduction to athletics

Born in Detroit, Michigan, USA, to Nigerian parents, Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike holds dual citizenship, but his allegiance has always been with Nigeria, the country of his heritage. Growing up, Onwuzurike competed in various sports. He attended Brother Rice High School, where he began focusing on sprinting, quickly becoming a standout athlete.

Onwuzurike became one of the top high school sprinters in the United States. He was influenced by Nigerian sprinters like Olusoji Fasuba, which motivated him to pursue a professional career in athletics representing Nigeria.

Breakthrough at the World Athletics U20 Championships

At the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, Onwuzurike won the 200 meters event in a time of 20.21 seconds. He became the first Nigerian male sprinter to win a gold medal in the 200 m at the World U20 Championships. Onwuzurike also competed in the 100 meters, where he advanced to the semifinals.

College career

Onwuzurike accepted an athletic scholarship to Stanford University and was an All-American sprinter for the Stanford Cardinal track and field team.

Representing Nigeria at international competitions

Onwuzurike has represented Nigeria at several major international competitions, including 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 African Championships in Athletics. At the 2022 African Championships in Mauritius, he reached the finals in the 200 meters, finishing just outside the medal positions.

At the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, Onwuzurike competed in both the 100 m and 200 m events. He advanced to the finals in both events.

Personal bests and sprinting style

Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike’s personal best in the 100 meters is 9.92 seconds, a time he achieved in 2023. In the 200 meters, his personal best is 19.76 seconds, set during the 2022 season.

Onwuzurike's sprinting style is characterized by his smooth, efficient running form and his ability to maintain speed over the course of a race. He has a powerful start, but it is his top-end speed and endurance in the final stages of races that truly set him apart from his competitors. His technique, combined with his mental toughness, allows him to remain composed in high-pressure situations, such as championship finals.

References

  1. "ONWUZURIKE Udodi Chudi".
  2. "BREAKING: Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike Wins Another Gold For Nigeria At World U-20 Athletics Championship". 21 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  3. "Onwuzurike Sets New Record in Men's 200m". THISDAYLIVE. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  4. Udodi Onwuzurike, Stanford Cardinal Athletics, Retrieved 2024-03-04
  5. "From underdog to champion in Nairobi, Onwuzurike sets his sights on the big stage | FEATURE | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 22 September 2024.
  6. ^ Udodi Onwuzurike at World Athletics Edit this at Wikidata

External links

World U20 Champions in men's 200 metres
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