"Never give up" - sprinter Oluchi Ndubueze looks back on 2024 and targets 2025 CAA U18 African champs

Had it not been for an encounter with a stray dog, Oluchi Ndubueze would probably not have realised that she was a talented sprinter and long-jumper. She was six-years old when she ran for her life being chased by a canine. That burst of speed convinced the 15-year-old’s aunt, who witnessed the incident, that she could make it in athletics. "It's after I outran a dog that I realised that I'm quite fast. My aunt suggested that I try athletics. I went to Ruimsig Stadium and met Coach Phyllis de Fouw who became my first coach," she told #TheTopRunner.

Under De Fouw's guidance and mentorship, Ndubueze flourished. She placed sixth in

the long-jump and reached the semis in the 60m and 80m sprints as an 8-year-old her during her first Gauteng Schools Championships back in 2017. From then she grew into a formidable sprinter, dominating at school and club level.

Running in the red and black of Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA), she won her first junior national title at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Youth and Junior Championships in Pietermaritzburg last year when she clocked 12.37 for the U16 girls' 100m gold. This year, she earned a silver in the 100m dash in a PB 12.02 and placed fifth in the 200m at the Pilditch Stadium in March. Ndubueze also received two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m, as well as a silver in the long jump after leaping to 5.73m at the South African Schools Athletics (SASA) nationals in Paarl in April.

"Coach Phyllis is a selfless coach who saw my potential in sprinting and recommended that I get specialist coaching that suited my talents. She played an important role in my career. If she had not done this, I'd probably not have progressed to where I am right now," said the youngster who enjoys the multicultural heritage of a Nigerian father and South African mother.

Now enrolled at Randpark High School, the Grade nine learner is preparing for next year's track and field season and her plans include qualifying for the CAA U18 and U20 championships in Madagascar. "I will prioritise local competitions in the short-term. My goal is to make the national champs as I will be eligible to qualify for the U18 African Champs. In the long-term, I would like to work towards the junior (U20) World Athletics Championships and the senior competitions thereafter. It's a work in progress."

While her parents have been the biggest supporters of her fledgling athletics career, she looks up to fellow sprinter, national 100m champion Viwe Jinqgi. "I draw inspiration from the fact that she has continued to excel in the sport over the years despite her injury setbacks. I've had many ups and downs - from not qualifying for finals to being a national champion and medallist. We all face challenges but this helps build resilience and makes one realise how strong they are. Never give up."