The Elite program is a team of competitors from all walks of life who are pushing boundaries, embracing change, and living the #earthfedlife.
Meet Chimoa Onyekwere Lyons. Amazing human and killer discus athlete. She's in the thick of Olympic qualifications for Paris 2024 and craving a trip back to represent Nigeria. You can support her all month long by using the code CHIOMA10 for 10% off your purchase (and $ straight to her to support her athletic journey).
How did you get into athletics?
I started athletics my freshman year of high school to stay in shape for the spring season, so I can try out for my high school soccer team. I developed quickly in track and field and quickly made it my main sporting activity.
What do you do now and who are your coaches?
I currently compete professionally in Track and Field. I represent Nigeria on a National Level. My coach is Dane Miller, and I have been working with him since my first World Championship in 2019.
What are your current training goals?
Stay Patient and Get Stronger. I believe these tools will assist me in making my second Olympic Team.
What are you looking forward to most this year?
Competing at an International Level:
- March 18-22: All African Games in Ghana
- June 7: African Senior Athletic Championships in Cameroon
- June 28: Olympic Trials
- August 2, 4: Women's Discus at the Olympic Games in Paris
What are your favorite hobbies outside the gym?
I like photography and playing video games on my Switch. My favorite game is Undercooked 2 and SpiritFarer on my Nintentdo Switch.
What is it like to be a professional athlete? How do you balance that with the rest of your life?
Being a professional athlete is a hard work and has required many sacrifices. Because of my travel schedule and competitions, I tend to miss friend or family life events, such as weddings, baby showers, engagement parties. My friends and family are supportive of my dreams so they are very understanding, but it still makes it difficult in missing loved one’s key moments.
Also being a professional athlete is not what all it seems. Chances are that if you are in an Olympic sport, then most of the time your travel and expenses are out of pocket. A very small amount of Olympic Athletes as sponsored. Take that percent then reduce it by 20% and that are how many female athletes are sponsored. Reduce it again an that is how many black athletes are sponsored. Most years in my sport are more net loss than gains when it come to expenses. I work as a full time engineer to cover the losses and cover my travel to compete at an elite level.
Who inspires you?
Serena Williams has always been a big inspiration for me growing up. She was a role model when there were not many female athletes that look like me in center stage.
What is your walkout song and why?
Barbie Dangerous - Because I am coming into this season dangerous. Standing on business and doing it in style.
What is the best piece of fitness advice you have been given or like to give?
Don't get bitter, get better.
If you could live in one fictional universe, which would it be and who would you be?
One Piece Universe. I would be part of the straw hat pirate crew, besties with Nico Robin and Nami.
How long have you been using EFM products and how did you find us?
My coach recommended EFM in 2019.
What are your favorite EFM products?
Whey Back Vanilla Grass-Fed Protein Powder - goes great with everything and is a classic.
Whey Back Vanilla Grass-Fed Protein
$39.99
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as a role model to young girls. I want young black girls to see themselves in me and be inspired to chase after their goals and dreams. I want them to see the obstacles I have faced and see how I push and still came out on top. I want them to know that no matter their body shape or background that they can achieve anything they wish, if they work stay dedicated and focused.
Support Cici all month long by using the code CHIOMA10 to save 10% off your entire purchase and support her directly (she gets a %).
Follow Cici's journey on Instagram here.