The event that only comes around every four years is back! The Olympics are more than just a global sports event; they’re a celebration of talent, hard work and global unity. This year’s games in Paris have already captured our hearts and imaginations, with unforgettable moments such as Snoop Dogg carrying the Olympic torch and Flava Flav sponsoring the U.S. women’s water polo team. As we cheer on athletes from all corners of the world, it's a reminder of how sports can bridge divides and bring us together, even in the midst of challenging times. At HBCU Leggings, we're particularly proud to spotlight our HBCU students and alumni who are making history on this grand stage among some of the best athletes in the world. Our HBCUs are well represented in Paris this year, and we're here to ensure you know exactly who to cheer for! Keep reading to get a look at our extraordinary Olympians and their journey to Paris.
Qualifying for the Olympics is no small feat—it’s a rigorous process that demands exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. Athletes must meet specific criteria and standards set by their respective sports, which can include qualifying tournaments, world rankings, or national trials. For many, the journey to the Olympics involves years of intense training, relentless practice, while meeting the demands of everyday life. The commitment needed is immense, requiring athletes to dedicate countless hours to perfecting their skills, maintaining peak physical condition, and strategizing their performance. This relentless pursuit of excellence is what makes an Olympic athlete's journey so extraordinary, as they balance the pressures of competition with the drive to achieve greatness on the world stage. Here are some of the Olympians from our favorite HBCUs.
Our HBCU Olympians
Sadé McCreath – Bethune-Cookman University, Sprinter, Canada
Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Sadé McCreath, an alumna of Bethune-Cookman University, is making her Olympic debut in the 2024 Paris games. This Toronto native, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and works as a probation and parole officer, is a vital part of Canada’s 4x100 relay team. After finishing second at the World Athletics Relays in the Bahamas, she has secured Canada a spot in the relay for Paris. McCreath's journey from gymnastics to sprinting is nothing short of inspiring. Keep an eye out for her as she and her team compete in the finals on August 9th! Follow Shade's journey on Instagram and take a look at her official 2024 Olympics profile page.
Joseph Amoah - Coppin State University, Sprinter, Ghana
Photo Courtesy of Ghana Business News
Joseph Amoah, a former standout sprinter from Coppin State University, is set to make waves at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His remarkable journey to the Games was solidified when he anchored Ghana's 4x100m relay team to a decisive victory in their heat at the World Athletics Relays, securing a season-best time of 38.29 seconds. This win not only highlighted Amoah’s exceptional speed and strategic prowess but also ensured Ghana's spot in the upcoming Olympics.
Born in Accra, Ghana, Amoah is gearing up for his second Olympic appearance after previously competing in the 4x100m relay and 200m dash at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His impressive track record includes a gold medal in the 200m dash and a silver in the 4x100m relay at the African Games. With personal bests of 9.94 seconds in the 100m dash and 20.08 seconds in the 200m dash, Amoah has proven his elite status on the global stage.
During his collegiate career at Coppin State, Amoah was a seven-time NCAA All-American and still holds multiple school records, including in the 100m dash (10.00), 200m dash (20.08), and 4x100m relay (39.30). His remarkable achievements and dedication continue to inspire, and we’re excited to cheer him on as he represents Ghana with pride in Paris.
Monae’ Nichols – Bethune-Cookman University, Long Jump, USA
Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Hailing from Winter Haven, FL, Monae’ Nichols is another athlete to keep an eye on. In the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials in Eugene, Oregon, Nichols delivered a nail-biting performance, sealing her Olympic spot with a season-best jump of 6.86 meters on her sixth and final attempt. This critical leap came just as the pressure was mounting, and a shorter jump could have meant missing out on the Olympics entirely.
Nichols' path to Paris has been marked by persistence. She initially gained recognition in high school at Auburndale, Florida, where she excelled in hurdles and long jump. Her success continued at Bethune-Cookman University before she transferred to Texas Tech University. At Texas Tech, Nichols honed her skills, focusing on the long jump, and her dedication paid off as she became a standout athlete.. Nichols’ performance in the long jump has been exceptional throughout her collegiate career, including a notable second-place finish at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships. Check out Monae’s Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes action!
Chidi A. Okezie – Hampton University, Sprinter, Nigeria
Photo Courtesy of Instagram
Born in the US to a Nigerian father and Jamaican mother, Chidi A. Okezie brings a unique blend of cultures to the track. An alumnus of Hampton University, Okezie competes internationally as a sprinter for Nigeria. Okezie’s hard work and talent have earned two bronze medals at the African Championships for the 400m dash. With a Master’s in Sports Administration, he’s a testament to the power of dedication and hard work. Follow Chidi on his Olympic journey.
Caleb Snowden – University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Long Jump, USA
Courtesy of UAPB News
Caleb Snowden is making history as the first athlete from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) to compete for the U.S. Olympic team since 1968. Back then, UAPB's Earl Goldman competed in the 800m, while Harold Francis and Henry Smothers took on the 400m at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. Snowden is following in their footsteps with a journey of his own.
An exceptional long jumper, Snowden has already set a series of impressive milestones this year. He became the first high jumper from an HBCU to achieve a top-three position in both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the same year. At the NCAA Indoor Championships, he made history by becoming an All-American, a first for UAPB's program. Snowden’s exceptional performances have earned him a spot in the long jump event at the Paris Olympics. His determination and talent continue to pave the way for future UAPB athletes and showcase the excellence that HBCUs contribute to athletics on the global stage.
Support our HBCU Athletes
The 2024 Paris Olympics have showcased the incredible talent and hard work of HBCU athletes who are making their mark on the world. Their stories are a testament to the excellence nurtured at HBCUs. The Olympic Track and Field events start on Thursday August 1st, so tune in and to watch these phenomenal athletes in action. As we cheer them on, let’s celebrate their dedication and the pride they bring to our HBCU community. The Olympics showcase the incredible power of sports to unite us and the limitless potential of human achievement. Join us in supporting our athletes and celebrating their journey by visiting HBCULeggings.com to check out our latest styles and show your support for the athletes representing our HBCUs at the 2024 Olympic Games!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bibi Mama is a first generation Beninese-American actress born and raised in Mansfield, CT. Growing up she watched her father, an English professor and author, continue the Yoruba oral tradition through storytelling, which inspired her. She earned her B.F.A. from Howard University and recently finished her MFA at the Old Globe/University of San Diego MFA Graduate Acting Program.