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Nigeria’s second fastest 200m sprinter, Udodi Onwuzurike, has decided to forego his remaining two years of NCAA eligibility in order to turn pro.
Two years ago, in 2021, Udodi signed with the prestigious Stanford University after making a name for himself as one of the best high-school sprinters from Michigan.
The U.S.-based Onwuzurike, who became the NCAA 200m champion this season and has respective Personal Bests of 19.76s and 9.92s in the 100m, is one of the brightest young sprinters in the world.
The 20-year-old announced his decision via his social media platforms, revealing reasons he’s forgoing the remaining years of his eligibility status as a college student-athlete.
“After much prayer and discussion, I will be forgoing the remaining two years of my collegiate eligibility and will be turning professional.
My lifelong dream has come true, bringing both excitement and reflection with this fresh opportunity. Thank you, Stanford for everything. This is not a goodbye, but a new beginning.” This means Onwuzurike will now start competing at professional meets in Europe, joining the elite league of athletes.The 2021 World Junior champion will be gunning for a memorable first professional season as he prepares to make a worthy appearance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
His first senior appearance was at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon and Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where he was part of the Nigerian 4x100m bronze medal-winning relay team.
