Elizabeth Ndudi’s parents come from Irish-Duth and Nigerian roots. Elizabeth’s mother, Avril Goossen, raised her daughter in Dublin, Ireland, before moving with her to Nantes, France.
As a little kid, Elizabeth would tell her mother that she dreamt of being at the Olympics. Now that dream certainly doesn’t feel too far away from being achieved.
The 18-year-old created history at the recently held Under-20 Championships in Jerusalem. In the competition’s 53-year-long history, Ndudi became the first Irish athlete to win a gold medal in a field event.
Only 6cm separated the top four in the competition, with Elizabeth breaking her personal best record twice. Elizabeth made a 6.48m jump in the second round and a 6.56m jump in the third round.
The youngster is heading to the University of Illinois to further her career and dreams of qualifying for Paris 2024. Her mother says with the right training and concentration, anything is possible.
Elizabeth Ndudi Parents: Mother Avril Goossen Played A Vital Role
Elizabeth Ndudi’s parents come from mixed ethnic backgrounds. Ndudi’s mother, Avril Goossen, has an Irish-Dutch heritage, and her father is Nigerian.
The teenager was born in Dublin and moved with her mother to Nantes, France, at age 11. Elizabeth’s dad has been out of the public limelight, as it looks like he has separated from Avril.
On her Facebook handle, Avril has shared a few snaps with her family. Elizabeth also has a little sister named Eloise, with whom she shares a strong bond.
Avril Was The First Person To Spot The Talent
It was sports day at St Attracta national school, and eight years old Elizabeth was one of the participants in a field event. And that is where Avril first realized the talent her daughter possessed.
Since then, there has been everlasting support from Avril toward her daughter’s athletic career. But the humble mother of two doesn’t want to take any credit for her daughter’s on-field success.
Mrs. Goossen says her daughter’s discipline and help from her coaches are the reasons that have propelled the youngster to an elite level.
In an interview with the Independent. i.e., Avril said her daughter’s focus and discipline have been top-notch since a young age. Elizabeth, an early bird, journals every morning, has a vision board and has always been a goal chaser.
Mrs. Goossen doesn’t come from an athletic background. She graduated from the University of Amsterdam with a degree in media studies and worked for eight years at Concentrix.
Avril started as a sales team lead in 2010, and by the time she left the job in 2018, she was a service operations manager. Avril moved to the aviation industry and works for ALSIM as an export sales assistant.
With Elizabeth heading to the States, Mrs. Goossen said the move still hasn’t sunken. Though she will miss her daughter, she knows a brighter and bigger future is awaiting her daughter.
Elizabeth Ndudi Reaction After The Win
The media quickly swarmed the teenager who had created history at the European Under-20 Championships.
After the win, it was clear as daylight to see Elizabeth bursting with pride and happiness. But still, she was able to give a calm and composed interview, talking about her past results and what pushed her to achieve the desired result.
Last year, Elizabeth had finished seventh at the European U-18s, which during the interview, she said was down to her nervousness. But Elizabeth said today she had come with full confidence.
Elizabeth said, “I am in shock. I cannot believe I actually won. I was so hungry to win. I have been repeating to myself every day, I will be the under-20 long jump champion, and now I have done it.”
