“From Dorm to Dream: Freshman Roommates Make The 2024 Olympics Team By: Danyelle R. Hunter

In the world of track and field, split seconds can make the difference between glory and defeat. Two Hampton University alums, Chidi Okezie and Edose Ibadin are poised to sprint onto the global stage in the 2024 Summer Olympics on July 28. Interestingly, they were freshman roommates while at Hampton University.

Chidi Okezie explains that "It was always one of my dreams to run in the Olympics," Okezie said, his voice carrying the weight of a journey that began in eighth grade.

He remembers the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he recalls, "The opening ceremony was on my birthday. The time clock read 8:08:08, and the date was 8/8/8. From then on, I was like, 'Yeah, I'm gonna be in the Olympics.'"

But dreams don't always follow a straight track. In 2016, Okezie missed the qualifying standard by a mere 0.24 seconds. Then came another crushing blow in 2021, when he made the Nigerian Olympic team, but due to an administrative oversight, Okezie and nine fellow Nigerian athletes were disqualified. Their hopes of crossing the finish line were dashed before the race began.

Okezie recounts the moment they learned they were disqualified. "The coach came in around 10 p.m. I could see the stillness in his face.

Despite the setback, Okezie was determined to cross the finish line. This obstacle was just the baton pass in a much longer race. With the endurance of a marathon runner and the unyielding determination of a sprinter, he refused to let this false start define his career.

"I had to keep telling myself that I can't let this one slip out of my grasp," he says. "I kept thinking about the past Olympics, like, 'Okay, I have to make it.'"

Instead of succumbing to disappointment, Okezie used his frustration as fuel for training, he set his sights on a new finish line: Paris 2024.

Now, as the countdown to the Paris Olympics begins, Okezie takes on a new pace. No longer just a participant in the mixed relay, he has earned his lanes in both the individual 400m and the 4x400m relay. It's as if the track itself has opened up before him, offering two pathways to potential glory.

"It's more strategic now," he explains of his training regimen. "My coach says, 'Every time you touch the track, it's with purpose.' We don't just want to go to the Olympics. We want to compete."

As he prepares to take his mark in Paris, Okezie, a 6'5" torchbearer for tenacity, stands as an emblem of resilience and a hallmark of human spirit for athletes everywhere proves that determination, dreams are not necessarily dreams denied.

Supported by what he calls his "village" of family and friends, Okezie remains focused on his ultimate goal. "I just want to be a role model and keep living my life, doing the best I can do," he says, his voice carrying the quiet determination of an athlete who knows that sometimes, the most important race is against the unknown.

Okezie said that he is not just running for himself, but for every athlete who has ever faced setbacks on their journey to greatness. In Paris, under the bright lights of the Olympic stadium, Okezie will have the chance to show the world that sometimes, the sweetest victories come to those who persevere and keep pushing forward even when the finish line seems out of reach.

Okezie, he shared a detail that spoke volumes about the spirit of camaraderie among Hampton alums. Chidi wanted to shine a light on his freshman roommate, Edose Ibadin, another Hampton University alum who will compete.

Intrigued by this connection, I spoke with Edose Ibadin to learn more about his path to the Olympic stage. Edose Ibadin, is an 800-meter runner for Nigeria, whose path to the Olympic stage is as inspiring as it is remarkable.

Ibadin's journey began at Hampton University, where he learned valuable lessons about tenacity. "Hampton played a crucial role in shaping my ability to bounce back after setbacks," he said. "I've had several bad performances in college and even failed a class, but I always managed to recover and improve."

It wasn't until 2023 that Ibadin's Olympic dreams began to crystallize. After achieving a personal best of 1:44.65 in the 800 meters, he believed that competing in Paris could become a reality. This breakthrough has led to subtle but significant changes in his training approach. "Now, I focus on sessions that are a bit slower but more targeted. I hit it hard when I need to, but overall, the workouts are less grueling and more effective," Ibadin explains.

Ibadin said the support of his family, coaches, and the Hampton University community has been invaluable in his journey. "My coach is extremely supportive and patient," he says. "My family has been in my corner cheering me on, and my Hampton University family always tells me how proud they are."

As he prepares for Paris, Ibadin remains grounded in his faith and personal growth. An avid reader with hopes of writing his own book someday, he emphasizes the power of positive thinking. "I often find myself speaking things into existence, so I'm careful about what I say to myself and others," he shares.

As an Under Armour athlete and member of the Under Armour Mission Run Baltimore 800 group, Ibadin understands the importance of perseverance.

His advice to other athletes facing setbacks is poignant: "Stay the course and don't give up so quickly. When things aren't going your way, don't be afraid to pivot but never give up. Trust the process and let the results be the results.

Focus on what it is that you want to execute rather than trying to avoid failure."

As Chidi Okezie and Edose Ibadin prepare to take their marks in Paris, they carry with them not just their personal dreams, but the pride and support of their alma mater. Their journey from Hampton University to the Olympic stage is a testament to their unwavering dedication and the nurturing environment of their school.

Eric Smalls, Assistant Coach at Hampton University, said: "It's amazing how our Alums continue the Olympic tradition of Hampton Track & Field. Chidi and Edose have been grinding for this moment for about 10 years. To see them make it to the Olympics after all their hard work and hustle showcases the Standard of Excellence that they embody. I'm excited for them."

The sentiment is echoed by Matthew A. White, Assistant Vice President of Parent Relations, who captures the enthusiasm of the entire Hampton community: "From late nights in the gym to early mornings on the track, these two never quit. Now they're headed to Paris! Hampton couldn't be more hyped for our Olympic duo."

As the world turns its eyes to Paris this summer, Okezie and Ibadin will step onto the track not just as individual athletes, but as ambassadors of their countries and proud representatives of Hampton University.

Their stories of perseverance, from freshman roommates to Olympic competitors, serve asan inspiration to current and future athletes, embodying the true spirit of determination and excellence that defines both the Olympic Games and their alma mater.