Chidi Okezie is a two-time Olympian, African Games Champion, certified Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), and founder of Believe Athletics LLC. A Philadelphia native now based in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, Chidi has dedicated his life to helping athletes maximize their potential both on and off the field.

Chidi earned both his Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and his Master of Sport Administration from Hampton University. During his collegiate career, he served as captain of the 2014 and 2015 MEAC Championship track and field teams while remaining actively involved in campus organizations and community service.

Following graduation, Chidi began his professional career at the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsula, where he served as a Youth Sports Instructor. He helped oversee basketball, flag football, soccer, and tee-ball programs while also leading "Teen Time," a wellness initiative designed to encourage middle school students to live active, healthy lifestyles. It was here that he discovered his passion for coaching, mentorship, and youth development.

While pursuing his master's degree, Chidi served as the Hampton University Athletics Marketing Graduate Assistant and interned with the Athletics Operations Department. His responsibilities ranged from corporate sponsorship activation and game-day marketing to event operations, giving him valuable experience in every aspect of collegiate athletics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chidi joined the team at Boo Williams Sportsplex, where he gained firsthand experience in sports facility management and event operations. From athlete registration and tournament logistics to customer service and court management, he developed a deeper understanding of the business of sports. He also assisted with player development and training for Boo Williams Summer League teams.

Throughout his professional career, Chidi continued pursuing his dream as an elite track and field athlete. Without the backing of a major shoe sponsorship, he earned qualification to the Tokyo Olympic Games and later became a two-time Olympian representing Nigeria. His accomplishments also include winning gold at the African Games and competing on some of the world's biggest stages.

Chidi previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Vertex Performance LLC, where he helped athletes improve performance through strength training, speed development, recovery, and injury prevention.

Today, Chidi channels his experience into Believe Athletics, where his mission is to develop faster, stronger, healthier athletes through evidence-based speed training, recovery education, mentorship, and performance coaching. Through Believe Academy and his digital training programs, he is committed to making elite-level coaching accessible to athletes everywhere.

Volunteer & Leadership Experience

Athlete Representative for Nigeria's National Track & Field Team

Volunteer Coach, Technique Track Club

CIAA Tournament & Conference Operations Intern

AAU Track & Field Official

Youth Mentor and Community Volunteer