Profile of Mary Onyali-Omagbemi

Mary Onyali-Omagbemi was born February 3, 1968. Her tremendous achievements started as a Nigerian sprinter who won the bronze medal in 4x100 metres relay at the 1992 Summer Olympics and in 200 metres at the 1996 Summer Olympics. She also won the 1994 Commonwealth Games.

Mary Onyeali performed especially well in the All-Africa Games, winning a total of 7 individual medals in the short sprints. She won 100 metres in 1991, 1995 and 2003 and took a bronze medal in 1987. Gold medals in 200 metres were taken in 1987, 1995 and 2003. Furthermore, the Nigerian 4x100m relay team won all races between 1987 and 2003, at the African Games.

Born Mary Onyali, she took the name Omagbemi when marrying Victor Omagbemi. She is very inspirational for many people.

Her consecutive Olympic appearances from 1988 to 2004 made her the first Nigerian to compete at five Olympics. This feat was equalled by table tennis players Bose Kaffo and Segun Toriola four years later in Beijing, PR China.

Career Achievements

A valuable athlete of Nigeria. She has bagged many honours in her chosen career as a sports woman. Regarded as a foremost and most disciplined athlete, Onyali's laurels include the Olympic medal, Gold medal from the all African games in Kenya, Cairo. World junior athletics championship Greece Gold medals. The marks which she made has gained her a reputable stand which puts her in track and the field world, establishing several prestigious marks on the way. Popularly called the Queen of Nigerian sprints, Mary continues to hold the Nigerian 200 meters record, and is still ranked in the top 10 of the collegiate all time list in both the 100 and 200 meters.

                        National Appointment

Following her great achievements and honour done to her fatherland, Onyali-Omagbemi was nominated as a minister by the late President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yaradua. She served as a member of the Sports Thematic Group of the Vision 20:2020 appointed by the late president.