I’m from Ekiti State, Nigeria and I represent a new generation of African leaders with a responsibility to shatter ceilings, open doors and pave the way for future generations. I’ve been a lifelong athlete and dominant force, gracefully leaping my way into record books and now blazing trails in winter sports. While competing at the University of Kentucky, I was a four time All-American and school record holder in the triple jump. I was consistently nationally ranked and was a two- time U.S. Olympic Trials finalists in the triple jump, narrowly missing a spot on the 2008 Olympic Team. I’ve made the successful transition from sand to ice as Nigeria’s first female Skeleton athlete. When I’m not sliding down ice tracks, I’m a creative force, visionary, business leader, world traveler and Africa Aficionado. As the first female Nigerian Skeleton athlete, I want to be an example and inspire others by showing them what’s possible. I want to change the conversation and the narrative on African women and believe it’s time for the world to see strong, smart, vivacious, courageous, beautiful and ambitious African women unapologetically blazing a trail in sports.

My name is Akuoma Omeoga representing Umuahia, Abia State, NIGERIA. I am a former collegiate Track and Field athlete for the University of Minnesota. The day finally came where I had to strip myself of the “M” and turn in my track uniform when I graduated from college – but I did not feel like I was finished. After college I told myself I would pick up a new sport, you know, something Nigerians do, like play soccer. I never thought it would be Bobsled. I am challenging myself to take risks and experience something new. “Something new” can be scary, but the moment you do something you fear, you automatically build strength. That is what this journey is about for me.

God’s blessing is the meaning of my name in my Igbo culture, but I am simply addressed as Ngozi Onwumere. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, but Umuchima in Imo state is the village that I am representing back home in Nigeria. I competed for Nigeria in the 2015 All African games in Track & Field and outside of competition I enjoy dancing, singing and outdoors activities. When the opportunity was presented to be a member of Nigeria’s first ever bobsled team, there was no question at all. I would love to bring honor to the land we love with my fellow Naija women of much integrity. This opportunity is so much bigger than me.

I am not a believer of “coincidence” – rather a God-fearing woman who understands the existence of a Higher Power and the blessings that are bestowed upon us when we maximize opportunities and operate with a selfless heart. Born and raised on the north side of Chicago, IL I represent Surulere in Lagos State, Nigeria so I’m a city girl in every sense of the word. My first love in sports is basketball but my high school track coach broke it to me that my “legs were born to run”. I ended up competing in the sport of track & field for University of Houston and went on to become a three-time national champion and 2012 Olympian for the country of Nigeria. To this day I cannot explain why I could not bring myself to make the announcement of my retirement from track and field in 2012, but in 2015 the professional athlete in me was revived. I became a rookie brakeman for the USA Women’s Bobsled team and in 2016 went on to pioneer what has become the first ever African Bobsled Team with Nigeria. This has grown to truly be something special and my goal is to empower as many people to greatness as possible. I love being an athlete, but even more, I love the arts. I enjoy dancing (everywhere and all the time!), singing, listening to music, writing, and studying to complete my Doctorate of Chiropractic/Masters of Science dual degree in December of 2017. Yep, I’m the coolest nerd you’ll ever meet!