In 1996, at the Atlanta Olympics Games, young Ms Chioma Ajunwa became the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump field event. At the time, she was already a staff of the Nigerian Police Force aged twenty-three.

The multi-talented athlete before this feat, was a footballer. She was a member of the Falcons team which played at the FIFA tournament of 1991. Sadly, she was benched throughout the tournament. This caused her to explore her other talent, long jump. That decision gave her this great record. Thus making her the only woman so far to achieve and excel in this game switch.

Ms Chioma Ajunwa is giving back to the society through her foundation Chioma Ajunwa Foundation. She has sponsored training of athletes in Yaba College of Technology and other states of her country Nigeria. Her foundation has also reached out to the less-privileged and widows.

One wonders what her streak would have been like in football if she had been given the chance. Maybe the long jump was her calling and football was a distraction? We would never really know. What do you think? Do share your thoughts in the comments section below.