Former HBCU Roommates Recap Olympic Journey

Courtesy of Hampton Athletics

HAMPTON, Va. – Hampton University graduates and former HBCU roommates Edose Ibadin and Chidi Okezie wrapped up competition for Nigeria in the Paris Olympic Games in early August.

“Our two former Pirates, Edose Ibadin and Chidi Okezie represented themselves, their family, their country, and the university well at the Paris Olympic Games,” said Hampton head coach Maurice Pierce. “Competing in the Olympic Games is our sport’s highest honor and we are very proud of them”.

Pierce coached both HBCU athletes during their time at Hampton. Ibadin competed in the men’s 800m race.

“What it meant to be able to compete at the Olympics is that my hard work has not only paid off but the people who have invested in me over the years got a huge return,” said Ibadin. “I may have been competing on the track individually but I was not alone. There have been so many people who have been a part of my journey and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ibadin continued, “This has been a dream come true and I know I’ll be able to carry this experience with me for the rest of my life. Who I have become on this journey to the Olympics will for sure help me in many other areas of my life.”

Okezie also ran for Nigeria in the mixed 4x400m, the men’s 400m, and the men’s 4x400m.

“It’s definitely a great experience,” said Okezie. “Being able to run on the track in multiple events, the 400m and the 4x400m relay. I didn’t get the results that I wanted, but the experience to get on the track and seeing my daughter watching me run was amazing. Watching her face light up after the race, couldn’t have asked for more.”

Okezie also explained that running on the track at the Paris Olympic Games was sensational. “Coming from the tunnel, hearing the crowd, 80,000 from the stands…it was like a dream come true.”

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