My devotion to track and field began when I was 12 years old. I initially dreamed of becoming a hurdler, but a coach nudged me towards jumping, and she was right — I had a natural talent for it. Despite my budding interest in track, basketball was my first love. Fun fact: I was initially recruited to Rice University for basketball before track and field! I was captivated by Rice upon my very first visit with basketball coach Tina Langley and enthralled with the idea of attending the university. It was my dream school, and I was determined to find my way there! The standout moment that sealed my recruitment for track and field at Rice was when I ran the anchor leg of my high school's 4x1 relay at the Victor Lopez Classic. I managed to catch up from an eight-meter deficit, which impressed Coach Bevan enough to secure my spot on the team. This is the defining moment that started my career at Rice University.
My time at Rice was marked by numerous achievements. I placed third at the NCAA championships in the triple jump and became a record holder in three events. However, my time at Rice was more than just athletics! I pursued a major in psychology and balanced my athletic commitments with a part-time job. I also took on the role of teacher's assistant, which allowed me to help other students navigate their academic journeys.
One of the most rewarding experiences I had at Rice was serving as a student-athlete liaison for the Black and African Students Association, where I advocated for my peers. This also provided the opportunity for me to lead initiatives to enhance the student-athlete experience.
Transitioning from a collegiate athlete to a professional one was fueled by my dream of becoming an Olympian as well as my unwavering passion for track and field. This shift, however, was not without its challenges. From physical injuries to mental and emotional hurdles, every challenge was a learning experience. Each setback taught me resilience, patience, and the value of a robust support system. Training without the extensive support system I had at Rice was daunting. I felt pressure to pour everything into track and field, which left me isolated and caused me to lose touch with the multifaceted version of myself I had cultivated at Rice. A turning point was speaking at the Black Student Athlete Summit, where I shared my athletic journey. This experience reminded me that I am more than just an athlete. Throughout this entire journey, my family, friends, and mentors have helped me stay grounded and motivated, and offer encouragement and guidance when I need it the most.
I didn’t think competing for Cameroon would be possible until my senior year at Rice when I met my teammate Nora. As the first U.S. athlete to switch to Cameroonian athletic nationality to represent the country, Nora was a pioneer for athletes from other nations to compete for Cameroon. She connected me with the Secretary General of the Federation, which led to Cameroon accepting me as an athlete.
This year, I had the incredible honor of competing at the African Championships hosted by Cameroon in Douala. Competing for Cameroon was an opportunity to connect with my heritage in a profound way since both of my parents were born in Cameroon and grew up there. Two weeks before the competition, I was part of a training camp with my teammates. We lived together, ate together, and trained together, which brought us much closer and created bonds that will last a lifetime. This was my first time competing on a national team, and the camaraderie and unity I felt were unparalleled.
Representing Cameroon at the African Championships was surreal. Wearing the national uniform and competing in front of my family brought tears to my eyes. It was a culmination of the hard work, prayers, and deep-seated desire to make my country proud. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of making the most out of every situation, lessons my Cameroonian teammates exemplified daily.
Track and field has not only been a source of immense joy for me but also a passport to see the world. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to compete in places like Bermuda, Hungary, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and numerous states across the U.S. Each location was an adventure in itself, offering unique cultural experiences that broadened my perspective and enriched my personal and professional growth. In Bermuda, I felt more comfortable and supported than I ever expected in a foreign country. After a competition in Hungary, I had my first-ever autograph session with local youth. It was a sweet moment I hold dear to my heart, seeing their excitement and realizing the impact I could have on young athletes. These travels have underscored the importance of embracing diversity and learning from every encounter, teaching me that there’s so much more to life than just competing.
Looking back, the unique path I’ve taken from Rice to becoming a professional athlete has shaped me in unimaginable ways. Pursuing my dream has not only defined my career but also my character. I’ve learned that it’s okay to take the road less traveled and that passion can lead to extraordinary places. To anyone reading this, I urge you to take a chance on your dreams. The journey might be unconventional, but the rewards are boundless. While I may not have reached all my goals yet, the memories and experiences I've gained are priceless. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. So, here’s to following our passions, embracing our unique paths, and inspiring others to do the same!
- Michelle Fokam '20 (Published on 7/26/2024)
