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University of Michigan Athlete Is the First Gymnast to Compete for Nigeria at the Olympic Games

Nigerian American gymnast Uche Eke is making history at the Tokyo Olympics, as he’s the first gymnast to compete for Nigeria at the games. Eke, 32, is a University of…

Gymnastics - Artistic - Olympics: Day 1

TOKYO, JAPAN – JULY 24: Uche Eke of Team Nigeria looks on during Men’s Qualification on day one of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 24, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Nigerian American gymnast Uche Eke is making history at the Tokyo Olympics, as he's the first gymnast to compete for Nigeria at the games.

Eke, 32, is a University of Michigan gymnast. He has duel citizenship and decided to compete for Nigeria to bring a history-making moment for the country.

He spoke with CNN about his love for Nigeria, stating, "Personally, I always identified as a Nigerian. My dad always tells me: if someone says something good or how did you do this? How did you do that? He says, 'because it's African blood.' So, I've been saying that for a while, as a joke, of course, but seriously at the same time."

He added, "My name is Uche, and I will say that I didn't like the name when I was growing up, because people would try to make fun of me and mispronounce it, and it was really getting on my nerves. But now people are getting used to the name Uche and they love it, and I love it too.

We're proud of you, Eke!

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.