Yesterday in History: August 2, 1996 – Chioma Ajunwa became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. She’s also the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Yesterday in History: August 2, 1996

Chioma Ajunwa became the first black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event. She’s also the first Nigerian to win an Olympic gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Ajunwa remains the only woman to play in the FIFA Women’s World Cup as both a footballer and an athlete. In Igbo streets, due to her trademark speed in long-distance races, you will hear, “Nara ha Ajunwa” for your safety.

Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah was a police officer before Atlanta ’96 and remains a police officer. She hails from Ahiazu-Mbaise in Imo State, and the Ahiazu-Mbaise Stadium was named after her, “Chioma Ajunwa Stadium.”

She was promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police in 2017. Before her promotion, she was the Deputy Commandant of the Police Training School in Ikeja.

Achievements and Medal Records

– Silver Medal (Long Jump) at the 1997 World Indoor Championships in Paris 🥈

– Gold Medal (Long Jump) at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta 🥇

– Gold Medal (Long Jump) at the All Africa Games in 1991 🥇

– Bronze Medal (4x100m relay) at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland 🥉

– Gold Medal (Long Jump) at the African Championships in 1989 🥇