Luke Chibueze is well-known for his remarkable track skills and tenacity at Long Beach City College, which he credits to the lessons and wisdom he received in Nigeria, where his family is from.
Chibueze’s journey from the United States to Nigeria during the early years of high school significantly influenced his physical and mental development, shaping him into the athlete and person he is today.
“I was totally in a different environment. I had to get used to how society was structured there, meaning that we didn’t have the fanciest cars or buildings, we didn’t have guaranteed light and water for 24 hours. So that was a big adjustment for me,” Chibueze said.
The reasoning of the big move was so that he wouldn’t pick up a lot of the teen related behaviors that his brother had, such as coming home late, slacking with grades, and talking back.
Chibueze was thrown into a world very different from his familiar surroundings by this decision, which was made in an effort to protect him from harmful influences.
“It was definitely a behavioral issue my brother was demonstrating in his teens that my parents didn’t like. So out of fear, my parents sent me out to Nigeria so that I wouldn’t pick up that same behavior,” Chibueze said.
When moving to Nigeria for his freshman year, Chibueze attended a boarding school and the school system there was completely different from what he was used to.
“You live on the campus with your classmates for six weeks and have a one week break. It’s also not like college where you can roam around the city and come back to your room, like you’re literally staying on campus for six weeks straight,” Chibueze said.
When living on campus, Chimbueze noticed the consistency of mistreatment and bullying that goes on in the rooms, especially coming from the older classmates.
“Pretty much, anybody who’s older than you or in a higher class level than you has more power, so a lot of the older kids would come into the younger kids room and ask for whatever items that they had, like tissue paper, snacks, soap. So they would bully the younger ones to give them whatever they wanted,” Chibueze said.
Despite these challenges, Chibueze found a sense of purpose in sports, particularly in basketball, which he played during his time in Nigeria.
This experience laid the groundwork for his athletic career, teaching him discipline, teamwork and the value of hard work, lessons he carried with him upon his return to the United States.
Choosing to pursue track in his senior year of high school, Chibueze’s athletic career took a significant turn after a stint in basketball, “After basketball season, I had to choose…it ended up being track,” Chibueze said.
This experience laid the groundwork for his athletic career, teaching him discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work, lessons he carried with him upon his return to the United States.
Oke Okogbue, Chibueze’s cousin who he grew up with, believes that he is encouraging based on many characteristics.
“He’s kind, caring, respectful and always has a positive mindset so he’s always encouraging,” said Okogbue.
He also believes that Chibueze can go to a professional level of track if he contains the hard work.
“Hes going pro if he keep this momentum up because he really takes care of himself and always stays training.” said Okogbue
Throughout Chibueze’s journey, his coach, Harley Morrison, provides guidance and support, offering insights into Chibueze’s growth and character.
“Luke’s commitment to his athletic pursuits is truly remarkable. He’s not just a talented athlete; he’s a leader on and off the track,” Morrison said. “His resilience and determination inspire everyone around him to push themselves to new heights.”
When Chibueze reflects on his past and plans his future, one thing never changes: his dedication to lifelong learning and personal growth.
“I’m really trying to get into videography, photography, and films. So, in the next ten years, hopefully, I see myself in a steady position where I have that movement constantly,” Chibueze said.
Family and community remain central to Chibueze’s vision for the future, “I still hope to have my family around me in the next 10 years, wherever life takes all of us,” Chibueze said.
Chibueze’s story, from navigating life’s hardships in Nigeria to excelling as a track athlete and nurturing creative ambitions, is a narrative of overcoming adversity and striving for a future filled with learning, growth, and prosperity, serving as a testament to resilience, growth, and perseverance and inspiring others to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams.
