Meet Anyika Onuora | Track and Field World and Olympic Medalist, Author, Speaker, Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anyika Onuora and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anyika, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Whenever I doubt myself, I always remember why I started. Knowing I could change someone’s outlook on life and women in professional sport through my book, gave me so reason to keep going. You never know whose life you could change and inspire.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was a track and field global medalist, competing in the sprint events for Team GB for 20 years. I knew I was a good athlete but never did I ever imagine I’d be competing at the highest level for a two decades. I faced many challenges in my career- injury, life threatening illness and assault/abuse in the sport to name a few but I never gave up on myself. I was determined to achieve my dream of becoming an Olympian. I’m fortunate to say I did it 3 times and won an Olympic medal on the 3rd and final attempt.

It’s my favourite medal because I know what I put my body and mind through to get to that moment on the podium. I won 12 global medals throughout my career and when I retired pre-covid, I had the amazing opportunity to write my own autobiography. It cuts through all the glam and glitz of the sport and focuses on (as previously mentioned) what I had to endure to compete at the highest level including institutional racism, body dysmorphia, etc. I knew writing this book would change my life and it truly has.

My book, My Hidden Race, has been nominated for some of the best sports writing awards over the course of the year as well as global recognition from fans and newcomers of my journey. It’s been a joy to hear the feedback and reviews of the book has been incredibly received. You don’t have to know anything about me or track and field but the book will resonate with every reader in some capacity and that’s exactly why writing the book was worthwhile.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the summer, any of the local food and music festivals (grant and peidmont park)

Food- Slutty Vegan, Ria’s Bluebird, The Optomist

Bars/Clubs – RT60\ Rooftop Bar, Compound, Sanctuary Nightclub

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My tribe who include my family and friends. They’ve been integral through my journey not just in sport but in life. I wouldn’t have made it this far without them!

Instagram: @anyika

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyika-onuora-b524151a4/?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/annyonuora?lang=en

Image Credits
@seyiphotography