Uniondale's Chika Akazi clears all hurdles to a state championship

Uniondale High School senior, Chika Akazi, has solidified her status as the best 55-meter hurdle runner in all of New York State, etching her name into the history books of high school track and field.

Last week, Akazi showcased her outstanding athletic prowess at the New York State indoor track and field state championships held at the Ocean Breeze Complex in Staten Island. In an incredible display of speed and precision, Akazi crossed the finish line in a remarkable 8.21 seconds, securing the coveted New York State Championship in the girls 55-meter hurdles, a significant improvement from her previous times.

At last year’s competition, Akazi secured a fourth place spot with a time of 8.38 seconds. But in this year’s preliminary rounds, Akazi came in as the last qualifier for the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 8.48. But undeterred and proving this was just a minor setback, she delivered an amazing comeback performance in the finals, overcoming her previous round and seizing victory while surpassing her remarkable time from the previous year as well.

“Chika is a beacon of strength and determination,” said Monique Darrisaw-Akil, the superintendent of the Uniondale School District who praised Chika's resilience. “Her hard work and dedication to the Uniondale team allow for her continued success, which will only continue throughout the future,” she continued, “it is remarkable that she can be both a star athlete and such an honorable student.”

Beyond the indoor season, Akazi also has a reputation for her athletic prowess in outdoor track, specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. In the outdoor track state championships last year, she secured second place in the 400-meter hurdles. Akazi also played a pivotal role as the anchor for Uniondale’s 4-x100 relay, contributing to the team's third-place finish and earning the relay team All-County honors, a prestigious distinction for an outdoor track team. Akazi was also Newsday’s number one ranked girl in last year’s outdoor track and field rankings for the Spring 2023 season.

Director of Physical Education & Health for Uniondale High School, Peter Cardone, commended the track star’s dedication, stating, “Chika exemplifies the spirit of what it means to be a track athlete. She sees a goal and stops at nothing to achieve it, which shines through in her performances.”

In a release sent out this week, the Uniondale School District says they are incredibly proud of Akazi and will continue to support her and every other student in their various pursuits throughout their high school careers.

As Akazi continues to etch her name in the annals of high school track and field history, her remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes in Uniondale to look up to. Akazi emphasizes the importance of resilience, hard work, and a never-give-up attitude in the pursuit of excellence. With a promising future ahead, Akazi's legacy as the best 55-meter hurdle runner in New York State is sure to endure for years to come.