Hall of Fame

Mary Onyali

  • Class
  • Induction
    1994
  • Sport(s)
    Women's Track & Field
  • Texas Southern
Quick Facts
  • Full name: Nkemdilim “Mary” Onyali (later Onyali-Omagbemi)
  • Born: 3 February 1968, Nigeria
  • Collegiate affiliation: Texas Southern University (TSU), Houston, Texas
  • Olympic appearances: Five (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000 & 2004) — first Nigerian to do so.
  • Key NCAA achievement: Won an NCAA national title in the 200 m while at TSU.
  • TSU Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1996 for Women’s Track & Field.
College Career at TSU

While at Texas Southern University, Mary Onyali distinguished herself in the conference and nationally:
  • Set a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) record in the 100 m with a time of 11.25 seconds.
  • Was part of TSU’s 4×100 m relay squad that set a SWAC record of 43.94 seconds.
  • Earned five NCAA medals, including the national title in the 200 m.
  • Dominated at the SWAC outdoor championships: eight individual wins and contribution to seven relay titles. Indoor track likewise saw four individual titles and three relay titles.