Jumper takes next step to Olympics

By Keith Thomas
Summer Editor

For senior co-captain Ike Olekaibe, finishing strong in the NCAA Outdoor Championships signifies more than capping off a successful Boilermaker career.

Yes, this week's championship meet represents Olekaibe's last collegiate event; however, if he has anything to say about it, it will not be his last competition.

Olekaibe has an opportunity to represent one of two countries in the 2000 Summer Olympics. As it stands right now, Olekaibe said he has a better chance to represent his native country of Nigeria in the Games rather than the United States. Olekaibe has the rare opportunity of choosing which country he would like to try out for as he maintains a dual citizenship. He was born in Nigeria and lived there until he was four years old when he and his family moved to Las Vegas.

Despite the opportunity to compete for the Nigerian team in the Games — which is a good possibility — Olekaibe said he would like to, if possible, compete for the United States. This is something that will be more likely with a good showing at the NCAA Championships — which begin this afternoon and conclude on Saturday.

"This tournament is going to let me know where I stand," said Olekaibe. "I talked to my parents and we are going to decide what is best for me, considering my chances."

Finishing strong for this reason is something that Olekaibe said he is hopeful for — jumping for the U.S. — and something he is feeling confident about.

"I have more confidence than I ever had," he said. "It feels good to be on top going in."

On top is where Olekaibe has been all season. He comes in to the championships with the nation's fourth-best triple jump in 54-05.25 — a mark that Olekaibe earned in leaping at the Big Ten Outdoor Championships, which was good enough for second place. This mark also has Olekaibe at the fourth- best in the nation coming into the championships.

Olekaibe, who earned All-American honors during the 1999 Indoor season, said all the hard work and sweat is going to pay off for him during this meet, which is his collegiate finale.

"This year I'm trying to win it," he said. "I worked so hard to get here, so just competing makes it all worth it."

As modest as he is confident, he knows that the hard work he has dedicated to this season will be tested this weekend against the nation's best triple jumpers.

"It is within my grasp but it still going to be hard," said Olekaibe.

Along with Olekaibe, assistant coach Lissa Olson said if Olekaibe is to become the national champion and based on the way he has jumped all season, this is the best shot he has had.

"This has been his most successful year of all," said Olson. "Ike has really been the rock of our team."

Olson said this "rock" represents the leadership Olekaibe has demonstrated this season. She said it has been instrumental for the Boilers — a role he filled that will be extremely missed.

Olekaibe said he prides himself on setting a good example for the younger athletes, both on and off the track.

"My first two years were my toughest years in college," said Olekaibe. "So now I just want to share my knowledge an experiences with others.

"I'm like everyone's big brother. I had to learn for myself, but I have the experiences now and I like to help the transition of others."

One individual that has seen the changes in Olekaibe's leadership and performance over the years is three-year teammate and friend, thrower Chris Brown.

"I could definitely see Ike walking out of there as a national champion, and he deserves it because he works very hard," Brown said.

Brown also witnessed Olekaibe come out from former teammate Mike Turner's shadow. Formerly known as "Mike and Ike" by teammates, Turner was always Olekaibe's primary competition in the Big Ten. Turner, who was injured in a freak accident in the spring of 1999 and has had eight surgeries on his right leg and a year of rehabilitation, graduated last year.

Now, Olekaibe, without his former jumping partner around to push him to perform at a high level, is showing he is capable of filling the void left by the former All-American.

"Being in the shadow of (Turner) was tough," said Brown. "Now, (Olekaibe) is just doing what he's been capable of along."

The Purdue track and field family, for the most part, does not want to see Olekaibe go, according to Brown.

"I'm going to be sad to see him go because he and I really got close over the years," said Brown.

Olekaibe, regardless of whether he makes it to the Olympics or not, said he may not be gone from West Lafayette forever.

When asked if he would like to one day be a track and field coach at Purdue, Olekaibe said, "that would be great."

However, Olekaibe has other interests as well, such as being a business owner.

"I am going to try and go into business and coach on the side," said Olekaibe.

His educational and business interests are obvious, however, he said he cannot look further than this week's championship meet and what may be at stake.

"This is the final step toward the Olympic trials," said Olekaibe.