Oluchi Ndubueze, a 16-year-old sprint and long jump star, snagged three silver medals at the 2025 African Youth Games in Luanda. But her biggest goal is to become an Actuarial Scientist and open a charity. Her ‘Why’? To inspire every little black girl facing adversity
By Mark Lemke
LUANDA (CONVERSEER) – Away from the ever-present sound of zooming cars and blaring horns in the hustling city of Luanda is the small province of Bengo where the African Youth Games track and field athletics took place. It was where Team SA totalled 19 medals, with Oluchi Ndubueze earning three silvers in the 100m, girls medley, and long jump.
Soon to be starting Grade 11 at Randpark High School, the 16-year-old sprinter and long jumper carries a radiating smile wherever she goes. However, the beginning of her sporting story was not as upbeat. “I started athletics because I was chased by a pitbull dog. My aunt came to help me after it bit my leg and said that I actually run pretty fast!”
The incident unleashed the talent that this young star possesses. Since then, Ndubueze has trained and competed relentlessly for her school, her club Central Gauteng, and her country. Despite the packed sporting calendar, the humble teenager finds the time to ace her academics and has a clear plan for life after high school.
“Growing up I wanted to be a doctor, but now I would love to be an actuarial scientist. My passion is helping people. As an actuarial scientist, I can do that through numbers and science which are my favourite subjects. The end goal in that career is to save enough money to open my own charity.”
That vision of her future tells you all you need to know about exactly who this exceptional prospect is. A calling to help others is the driving force behind all that she does. Ndubueze went on to explain how her athletics answers that calling.
READ ALSO: NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, family die in plane crash
“In the difficult moments, I think of a little black girl who has hate thrown at her just for being herself. I want to show that girl that it is possible to reach your goals and achieve your dreams, even when it is difficult and the circumstances are against you.
“Whenever I get tired or I don’t feel like training, I remember that there is someone who could be looking up to me, just as I look up to others. That is my Why.”
Ndubueze’s words and story left a powerful, lingering impression following the conversation’s conclusion. Her big dreams and goals are spoilers for the box office movie that is about to premiere. Her three silvers in Angola is the trailer.
