Emma Nwofor: Hurdling Obstacles On and Off the Track
Emma Nwofor: Hurdling Obstacles On and Off the Track
From East London to the world stage, Emma Nwofor has built a life around speed, strength, and sheer determination. Today, she’s one of Britain’s top sprint hurdlers—but her story is about more than medals.
Sport has always been in Emma’s DNA. Growing up, she split her time between netball, basketball, and gymnastics (and performing arts!). Her first brush with athletics came at 11 when she volunteered to represent her school at hurdles for a county championship. One race was all it took — her PE teacher spotted the spark and pushed her to join Newham and Essex Beagles Athletic Club.
There, Emma discovered combined events: first the pentathlon, then the heptathlon. For more than a decade she juggled hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, javelin, sprints, and endurance. That versatility earned her a Team GB vest and a full scholarship to compete at The Ohio State University in America, one of the toughest collegiate systems in the world.
By 2022, Emma chose to focus on the 100m hurdles—the event where she shines brightest. A season-ending injury in 2023 could have derailed her, but instead it became proof of her character. She rebuilt, recovered, and returned sharper. Now back to full fitness, she’s ranked 9th on the UK all-time list (PB 12.87, 12.81w) and eyeing a huge 2026 season that includes the World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games, and European Championships. Her long-term target? Representing Team GB at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
But getting there isn’t just about talent. It’s about resources. Elite coaching, international travel, specialist treatment, training facilities, nutrition, equipment — all the invisible scaffolding that makes world-class performances possible. And the truth is stark: Britain’s top athletes often need to train abroad, where the best coaches and facilities are based. For Emma, that means splitting life between the UK and the US — and carrying the costs herself.
Emma’s talent, resilience, and drive are undeniable. What she needs now is the backing to match her ambition.
SCCI Alphatrack is proud to sponsor Emma, supporting her journey to the top. But even with this partnership in place, the financial reality of international athletics is blunt. Travel, coaching, training, and the everyday costs of competing at the highest level all demand significant resources.
Emma still needs wider backing to ensure she can focus fully on her performance—and not the price tag attached to it. Every contribution makes a difference, helping her clear the financial hurdles so she can concentrate on the ones that matter most.
