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Two-time Olympian and 2023 African Games champion Elizabeth Anyanacho talks about her journey in taekwondo, her Olympic experiences, and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO
How did you get into taekwondo?
I was practising sprinting at the National Stadium in Abuja when Chika Chukwumerije spotted me. At that time, I didn’t even know taekwondo was a sport. I just loved watching martial arts movies where you would see taekwondo moves. That summer after my second year in senior secondary school, I committed to sprinting and taekwondo, splitting my training between morning and afternoon. Eventually, I found out that I liked taekwondo more than athletics. I could try so many moves and kick and do the turns.
How was it learning taekwondo in the beginning?
There was definitely a learning curve. Taekwondo moves are in Korean so I spent a lot of time translating words and commands to English. I also studied the sport’s history through videos and conversations with Chika. In the beginning, I focused on building my technique rather than competing.
How has your coach Chika Chukwumerije influenced your development?
He’s really had a big impact on me. He has taught me how to stand out in the crowd and how to approach challenging situations. Before working with him, I had a tendency to remain quiet in social settings, even when I had something to contribute. His training approach not only focuses on teaching taekwondo but also practical subjects. Through his coaching, I learned what I call the “heart to fight” and to actively listen, which are crucial skills in a sport where matches are only two minutes each and split-second decisions can mean winning or losing.
What impact has taekwondo had on your personal development?
It’s been transformative. Through taekwondo, I’ve learned confidence off the mat. I started asking questions in class and leading class projects. The sport taught me how to approach challenging situations and stand out in a crowd. It’s not just about the physical aspects; it’s about developing as a complete person.
How would you describe your journey to becoming an Olympian?
It wasn’t as easy as it looks. God has been and is the one helping me, plus the training, dedication and hard work we put into it. When I was preparing for Tokyo 2020, everything happened so fast for me and I was new to that kind of platform. I didn’t even realise it was a big deal until I was in the Olympic Village. I had just started competing about three years before I qualified, so I was a novice in all areas.
You’ve made history as the first Nigerian female taekwondo athlete to compete at two Olympics. How does that feel?
It’s a great honour and responsibility. The journey from Tokyo to Paris showed my growth in the sport. A lot changed between the two Olympics – my walk with God became stronger, the training became tougher, the competitions increased and much development began to set in. I started to understand the game better and my confidence level increased.
Your gold medal at the African Games in Accra was a significant achievement. Can you talk about that experience?
It was really special. Defeating Africa’s No.1 ranked taekwondoist Mohammed Aya of Egypt for the gold medal was a significant achievement, especially since it was an upgrade from the bronze I won in Morocco in 2019. I had to stay focused and even though I lost the first round, I came back strongly to win the second and third rounds. That victory really showed my progression in the sport.
How important was your training in Germany to your development?
Training at the Taekwondo Competence Center in Friedrichshafen, Germany is crucial to my development. It has helped me gain international exposure and experience. The facilities and level of competition there really helped me improve my game and understand it better. My gold medal at the Luxembourg Open showed how much I have developed during my time there.
What keeps you motivated in the sport?
It’s really about continuous improvement. I’ve learned that there’s no such thing as too much preparation. So I always try to be consistent and intentional about every detail – that is prayers, training, more prayers and more training. The support from friends and family and every little detail that is put in is cherished.
What would you say to young athletes who look up to you?
I would tell them that everything is possible with dedication and the right support system. When I started, I didn’t even know taekwondo was a sport, but here I am, having represented Nigeria at two Olympics and won gold at the African Games. It’s about believing in yourself and being willing to put in the work required to achieve your goals.
