Meeting Serena Williams in 2016, Keturah Orji Shares the ‘Fun’ Atmosphere at the Olympics

Gearing up for what could be her last display at the Olympic Games, the 28-year-old triple jump specialist Keturah Orji has seasoned herself pretty well. Looking back at her initial days as a collegiate athlete at the University of Georgia to taking a look at her now, it’s been a journey to cherish. With 10 US National titles under her belt now, the 28-year-old track star had experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment she still holds close to her heart.

In Rio, at the 2016 Summer Games, Orji represented the United States in the women’s triple jump event. An arena full of people had their eyes glued on her when she delivered 14.71 m in the triple jump. Having paced forth in the competition came along with occasional pressure build-ups. But let’s hear about the ‘fun’ she extracted from the tense Olympic Games.

Serena Williams was a part of Orji’s Olympic affair

In a YouTube podcast named ‘Keturah Orji: From UGA tracks to global heights at the Olympic Games’, the 2x US triple jump record setter graced  11Alive’s show. Orji was a part of the Rio Olympic 2016 opening ceremony since track events are always scheduled later. So, at the grand ceremony, she could taste the real essence of the magnificent event. The host asked, “What does it feel like when you’re part of that event that a billion people around the world are watching?”.

In response, Orji shared an interesting story. “I remember I was able to get a picture with Serena in 2016. So I feel like having all the other athletes there with you is what even makes it more fun”. She further said that competing at the World Championships didn’t bring her close to the world-class athletes. But the Olympics has offered that platform. Since she’s heading into Paris, she’s also looking to draw a line to her storied career.

Is Keturah Orji retiring?

“Retire on a high note. Podium is always the goal. It’s very difficult”, said Orji, who is the first woman to have won eight NCAA titles in track history in 2018, the 28-year-old will have all of Georgia rooting for her at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Hailing from the University of Georgia, Keturah Orji also credits a lot to her alma mater.

“Georgia is really the foundation of where I became who I am today. I mean, that’s where I broke the American record”, said the 2019 Pan American Games long jump silver medalist. One of the most successful NCAA track athletes from America, will Orji make it to the Olympic podium this time?

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