Nigerians Will Continue to Remember Chioma Ajunwa for Making History as Nigeria’s First-ever Olympic Gold Medalist.

• 30 Apr, 2025
• News
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Growing up in Umuihiokwu, Southeastern Nigeria, Chioma Ajunwa started her athletic journey as a sprinter before excelling in the long jump. Her star moment arrived at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, USA, when she captivated the world by leaping to a gold medal in the women's long jump event with a stunning distance of 7.12 meters. 

This historic achievement made her the first Nigerian and the first African woman to claim Olympic gold in the long jump. While Ajunwa's triumph at the Atlanta Olympics filled Nigeria with immense pride, it also solidified her status as a national hero. 

Many sports enthusiasts contend that her success was especially significant, as Nigerian athletics was then struggling to make a global impact.

After her athletic career, Ajunwa transitioned to a career in law enforcement by joining the Nigerian Police Force, where she rose to become an Assistant Commissioner of Police and later, a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Last year, she retired from the force after a distinguished 35-year career.

Ajunwa's legacy as Nigeria's first Olympic gold medalist and her contributions to both sports and law enforcement continue to inspire countless Nigerians, especially aspiring athletes and women aiming to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.

In October 2010, as part of the celebrations for Nigeria's 50th Independence Anniversary, the then president, Goodluck Jonathan, honoured Ajunwa and 49 other distinguished Nigerians with a special Golden Jubilee Independence Award for their contributions to the nation's development. 

Later, in December 2017, Ajunwa established the Chioma Ajunwa-Okpara Foundation, which aims to identify and nurture young Nigerian athletic talent. In collaboration with the Abia State government, the foundation had since sponsored an Under-16 Athletics Championship for Secondary Schools in March 2018.

As a true patriot, Ajunwa has brought honour to Nigeria and continues to make a positive impact on the country.