Nulia Obiorah, a senior at Charlottesville High School, began her track journey in elementary school. She participated actively from second through sixth grade. Though naturally skilled, Nulia hadn’t yet realized her potential in the sport. In seventh grade, the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected break to athletes everywhere, and she, admittedly relieved by the pause, stepped away from track due to quarantine restrictions. The following year, during eighth grade, track was still unavailable. In ninth grade, as a new student in Charlottesville Virginia, Nulia didn’t yet feel grounded enough to rejoin. Originally from Washington, DC, where she was raised from age one after a brief period immigrating to the U.S.
Her mother encouraged her to return to track in sophomore year, seeing it as a way to reconnect with physical activity. It was a challenging start; Nulia hadn’t trained since sixth grade, and the indoor season demanded a rediscovery of her abilities. However, during the spring outdoor season, her performance took a surprising turn. Initially placed as an alternate on the 4×100-meter relay team, Nulia was soon asked to run the first leg in a meet at Charlottesville High. That performance led her team to qualify for states, a thrilling achievement that set the stage for a season of victories. Nulia’s team ultimately won State, District, and Regional championships in the 4×100 relay that year.
By junior year, Nulia focused on the triple jump in indoor track, eventually qualifying for states. This season wasn’t without setbacks; over the holiday break, she contracted a virus that led to acute bronchitis and asthma flare-ups, affecting her training and performance. Despite continuing health issues at regionals, she opted out of the 55-meter dash and 4×200 relay to focus on the triple jump, ultimately achieving a personal best jump of 35 feet, 9 inches, and finishing second. In the state meet, Nulia added another small personal record with a 35-foot, 9.75-inch jump. During the outdoor season, she began long jumping for the first time, reaching new personal records and achieving third place at districts, as well as qualifying for states. She continued to improve throughout the season, placing second in the long jump at regionals; and securing second at the state championship in the triple jump, achieving a personal record of 38 feet, 7.25 inches–a half-inch shy of setting a new school record. At the end of junior year, Nulia’s accomplishments were recognized with a selection to the first team for All-Central Virginia Girls Track and Field and the team MVP award.
Academically, Nulia has taken on a rigorous curriculum with 11 AP classes over her high school years, including AP Calculus, AP Government, AP Environmental Science, and AP Literature in her senior year. Her academic achievements and dedication are mirrored in her wide range of extracurriculars. She is on the Y Street Leadership Team, where she has contributed over 80 hours to support school health and advocacy initiatives. Additionally, serving as Co-President of the Culture 2 Culture Peer Tutoring Club, Founder and President of the UNICEF Club, and being selected as a School Board Student Representative are some achievements of hers among the many more
Nulia’s journey reflects a commitment to growth and leadership across athletics, academics, and community service, embodying resilience and dedication at every step.
