Chioma Ajunwa – Olympic gold medalist
| Stage Name: | Chioma Ajunwa |
| Real Name: | Chioma Ajunwa-Opara |
| Occupation: | Athlete |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 25th December 1970 (55 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Imo State |
| Gender: | Female |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Married (Simeon Ajunwa – Husband) |
| Education: | Nil |
| Known for: | Olympic gold medalist |
Early Life
Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, born on 25th December 1970 in Ahiazu-Mbaise, Nigeria, emerged from humble beginnings. She grew up in what she describes as “a very poor home,” being the last of nine children, with six brothers and two sisters. Tragedy struck early in her life when her father passed away, leaving her mother to support the large family alone. Despite her aspirations, at the age of 18, Chioma couldn’t register for university due to financial constraints. However, determined to excel, she pursued a career in athletics.
Football Beginnings
Chioma Ajunwa started her journey as a professional sportswoman playing football for the Nigerian women’s team. She was a member of The Falcons during the Women’s World Cup in 1991. Despite her exceptional skills, she was seldom given the opportunity to showcase them on the field. Feeling undervalued and underutilized, Chioma decided to shift her focus to another sport where she could shine brighter.
Transition to Track and Field
Transitioning from football, Chioma Ajunwa found her true calling in track and field. She excelled in the 100m, 200m, and long jump. Her career took off rapidly, and she made her mark on the international stage. Chioma competed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 meters relay. She also participated in the African Championships in 1989 and the All Africa Games in 1991, clinching gold medals in the long jump. However, her career took a painful pause when she was banned from the sport for four years after failing a drug test in 1992, despite her maintaining her innocence.
Olympic Glory
Determined to overcome the setback, Chioma made a remarkable comeback. She rewrote the history books by becoming the first West African woman and the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal in a track and field event. Her moment of glory came at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta when she emerged victorious in the women’s long jump event with a jump length of 7.12 meters on her first attempt during the final. Chioma’s achievement was monumental, not only for herself but for her country as well.
Recognition and Awards
For her outstanding achievement, Chioma Ajunwa was bestowed with numerous awards and recognitions:
- Member of the Order of Niger (MON): Following her Olympic gold medal at Atlanta ’96, she received this national award from the then Head of State of Nigeria, Sani Abacha. However, she expressed disappointment, feeling that her achievements were undervalued compared to the Nigerian football team.
- Community Chieftaincy Title: Imo State honored her with a chieftaincy title, recognizing her remarkable contribution to sports.
- Nigeria Golden Jubilee Independence Awards: On 1st October 2010, as part of Nigeria’s 50th Independence anniversary, President Goodluck Jonathan conferred special Golden Jubilee Independence Awards on 50 distinguished Nigerians and friends of Nigeria, including Ajunwa, for their contributions to the country’s development.
Appointments and Membership
Apart from her sporting achievements, Chioma Ajunwa also served in various capacities:
- Chairperson of the Women’s Development Committee of Imo State Football Association (2011)
- Member of the Committee on the Revival of the Nigeria Academicals Sports Competitions (2011)
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (2018 – Present)
Chioma Ajunwa-Okpara Foundation
In December 2017, Chioma Ajunwa launched the Chioma Ajunwa-Okpara Foundation to discover new Nigerian sports stars. The foundation, in collaboration with the Abia State government, sponsored an Under-16 Athletics Championship for Secondary Schools in March 2018. Through this foundation, she aims to provide opportunities for talented young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Anti-doping Campaign
Ajunwa didn’t just limit her contributions to the field; she took it a step further with her anti-doping campaign. She delivered a paper on “War against the use of illicit Drugs in Sport” at an Interactive Session organized by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on April 30, 2010. In the latter half of 2010, Ajunwa escalated her anti-doping activities by initiating an integrated campaign called ‘Compete Fair & Clean.’ This initiative, personally financed by her, involves communicating messages directly to athletes and coaches at athletic events. Awareness and Red-flag workshops and seminars are organized with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Banners are placed at athletic events, and informative publications, as well as T-shirts with anti-doping messages, are distributed to athletes and coaches.
Husband and Kids
Chioma Ajunwa is married to her husband, Simeon Ajunwa, and they have two children together, a son and a daughter. Her family has been a significant source of support throughout her career, and she has often credited them for their encouragement and motivation. Despite her busy schedule and athletic commitments, Ajunwa prioritizes her family life and values the importance of being a devoted wife and mother. Her personal life is a testament to her balance and dedication to both her professional and family responsibilities.
Chioma Ajunwa Net Worth
Chioma Ajunwa’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million, accumulated from her successful athletic career, endorsement deals, and post-retirement endeavors. Her impressive achievements, including her Olympic gold medal in the long jump at the 1996 Atlanta Games, have cemented her status as a sports icon in Nigeria and beyond. She’s not that active on social media but you can reach her on Instagram.
