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Udodi Onwuzurike
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.[2][3] Onwuzurike competes collegiately for Stanford University[4] 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 athleticsBorn 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.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed] Breakthrough at the World Athletics U20 ChampionshipsAt 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.[5] Onwuzurike also competed in the 100 meters, where he advanced to the semifinals.[6] College careerOnwuzurike accepted an athletic scholarship to Stanford University and was an All-American sprinter for the Stanford Cardinal track and field team.[6] Representing Nigeria at international competitionsOnwuzurike 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.[6] 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.[6] Personal bests and sprinting styleUdodi 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.[6] 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.[citation needed][neutrality is disputed] References
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