#Rio2016 : Chierika Ukogu finishes 2nd in rowing finals

American-born Nigerian professional rower, Chierika Ukogu who made history as the first ever Nigerian athlete to compete for the Rowing event at the Olympic games finished second in the Final D of the Women Single Sculls, and final standing of 20th in the Olympics.

 Unfortunately Ukogu does not qualify for a medal but her achievement would mean her ranking would definitely shoot up.

The now legendary rower qualified for the final after she finished fourth in the semi-final with a total time of 8:18:55 while in the final she finished with a total time of 7.44.76.

She was born in Pennsylvania, USA on October 2, 1992 after her parents migrated from Nigeria. She is a graduate of Stanford University, studied pre-med and rowed for Stanford’s women’s crew team till her graduation in 2014. She has been accepted into Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City. This plans to continue schooling after the Olympic games.

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Some analysts have said she single-handedly created Nigeria’s rowing team, this is not far from truth. Considering the cost of equipment is quite steep – around N4.8 million by today’s naira.


She stated that her ultimate goal is to represent Nigeria at the Olympics, which at 23 years has now been achieved.

Due to a lack of infrastructure, Chierika not only had to be selected for the team for Rio 2016 but also had to fund herself. She started a gofundme campaign in 2015 and successfully raised $15,000 to get herself equipped and transported to Rio, Brazil.

We celebrate with Chierika Ukogu who has emerged 2nd in women's single sculls final D. #TeamNigeria #rowing    #NGR pic.twitter.com/tOx1lqmXL5

— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) August 13, 2016

We also need to mention that Chierika's 2nd place finish in final D won't attract a medal instead a boost in her ranking. #rowing #ngr

— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) August 13, 2016