Uche Eke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Uche Eke |
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| Full name | Uche Devon Eke | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Uchemantellem | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | August 12, 1997 Gaithersburg, Maryland, US |
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| Hometown | Brookeville, Maryland, US | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Fairland Gymnastics | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| College team | Michigan (2016–20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Head coach(es) | Kurt Golder | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Uche Devon Eke (born August 12, 1997) is a talented Nigerian-American gymnast. He made history at the 2020 Summer Olympics by becoming Nigeria's very first Olympic gymnast! He earned his spot in the Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the all-around competition at the 2021 African Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Uche is also a champion, having won a gold medal in the pommel horse and a bronze medal in the parallel bars at the 2019 African Games.
Contents
Early Life and Gymnastics Beginnings
Where Uche Grew Up
Uche Eke was born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States. His birthday is August 12, 1997. His mother is American, and his father is Nigerian.
Starting Gymnastics Young
Uche started doing gymnastics when he was just four years old. He loved the sport from a young age! He finished high school at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in 2015.
Uche's College Gymnastics Journey
Joining the Michigan Team
In 2013, the head coach for the Michigan Wolverines men's gymnastics team noticed Uche. Uche then joined the Michigan team in 2016.
Competing for Michigan
For his first three years, Uche competed in events like the pommel horse, the horizontal bar, and the parallel bars. He had to miss his final year of college gymnastics because of a shoulder injury. He was given a special "redshirt year" for the 2020 season, which means he could still be part of the team.
Representing Nigeria in Gymnastics
Making History at the African Games
Uche proudly represented Nigeria at the 2019 African Games. He won a gold medal on the pommel horse! This was a huge moment because he was the first Nigerian gymnast ever to win a gold medal at the African Games. He also earned a bronze medal on the parallel bars at the same event.
Competing on the World Stage
Later in 2019, Uche competed at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Stuttgart. He showed off his skills on the pommel horse, parallel bars, and horizontal bar. While he didn't reach the finals, it was great experience competing against the world's best.
Uche's Olympic Dream Comes True
Qualifying for the Olympics
Uche continued to train hard. At the 2021 African Artistic Gymnastics Championships, he won a bronze medal in the all-around competition. This win was super important because it meant he had qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics!
Nigeria's First Olympic Gymnast
Uche then traveled to Tokyo, Japan, for the 2020 Summer Olympics. He made history by becoming the very first gymnast to represent Nigeria at the Olympics. He competed in the qualification round and finished fifty-eighth in the all-around. Even though he didn't advance to the finals, it was an incredible achievement to be there.
Uche's Education and Studies
Achieving Academic Success
Uche is not just a great gymnast; he's also a smart student! In May 2019, he earned his bachelor's degree in computer science engineering from the University of Michigan.
Continuing His Studies
He didn't stop there! Uche also earned a master's degree in information science from the University of Michigan. This shows he is dedicated to both his sport and his education.
