Mary Onyali

**Mary Onyali-Omagbemi: Nigerian Sprinting Icon** Mary Onyali-Omagbemi (born 3 February 1968), often referred to as simply Mary Onyali, is a highly decorated retired Nigerian track and field athlete who specialized in the sprints, particularly the 100 meters and 200 meters. She is widely regarded as one of Nigeria's most successful and enduring athletes, achieving global recognition for her numerous medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and African Championships. **Early Life and Education** Mary Onyali was born in Adamawa State, Nigeria. From a young age, she demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, which she nurtured throughout her schooling. She pursued her education in the United States, attending Texas Southern University, where she excelled in collegiate track and field. Her time in the American collegiate system provided her with world-class training and competition, setting the stage for her international career. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Onyali’s senior career spanned over two decades, making her a formidable and consistent presence in international sprinting. She is one of the few athletes to have competed in five different Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004). Her career highlights include: * **Olympic Games:** Onyali won two Olympic bronze medals. The first came in the 4x100-meter relay at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. The second, a historic individual medal, was in the 200 meters at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. * **World Championships:** She secured a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay at the 1999 World Championships in Seville. * **Commonwealth Games:** She was a dominant force at the Commonwealth Games, winning the gold medal in the 100m in 1994 (Victoria) and a gold medal in the 4x100m relay in 2002 (Manchester). * **All-Africa Games:** Onyali was exceptionally successful at the All-Africa Games, accumulating multiple gold medals, including the 100m and 200m double in 1991 (Cairo) and the 100m gold in 2003 (Abuja). * **African Championships:** She is a multiple-time African Champion, demonstrating her consistent supremacy on the continent.Onyali's personal bests—10.97 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.07 seconds in the 200 meters—cement her status among the fastest African women sprinters in history. **Notable Works and Current Status** Since retiring from professional competition, Mary Onyali has remained deeply involved in sports and public service. Her commitment to the development of Nigerian athletics is evident in her official roles. She has served in various capacities within the Nigerian government and sports administration. Notably, she has been appointed as the Special Adviser to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development. In this role, she leverages her experience to help shape policies, promote grassroots sports, and mentor upcoming athletes. Onyali is a fervent advocate for clean sports and the welfare of Nigerian athletes. Her enduring legacy is not just measured by her medals but also by her ongoing dedication to Nigerian sports.