In 1950, Josiah Olutunji Majekodunmi etched his name into history when he won Nigeria’s very first international sports medal, a silver in the men’s high jump at the British Empire Games in Auckland, New Zealand.
His achievement marked the beginning of Nigeria’s presence on the global athletics stage.
Four years later, at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver, his record was surpassed when Emmanuel Ifeajuna struck gold in the same event, becoming the first Black African to win a gold medal at the Games. Yet, Majekodunmi’s pioneering silver in 1950 remained a foundation upon which Nigeria’s sporting story was built.
Before his international breakthrough, Majekodunmi had already made his mark locally. In 1947, he captained the Abeokuta Grammar School athletics team to win the prestigious Grier Cup for Nigerian high schools, the school’s first and only victory in the competition.
He was also part of Nigeria’s first generation of Olympians, representing the country at the 1948 London Olympics, and later competing in the men’s high jump at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, where he finished in 9th place.
Josiah Olutunji Majekodunmi remained an inspirational figure in Nigerian athletics until his passing on October 9, 1996.
His sporting legacy continued through his daughter, Olawunmi Majekodunmi, who became one of Africa’s leading female table tennis players in the 1970s and 1980s, winning multiple continental titles.
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