Dr. Chierika “Coco” Ukogu, M.D.: Orthopedic Surgeon talks COVID-19 and Being Nigeria's First Olympic Rower

03/19/20 • 32 min

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#003: Chierika “Coco” Ukogu is a recently graduated orthopedic surgeon, Stanford University rowing alumna, and American-born Nigerian professional rower. To top that all off, she competed as Nigeria’s first ever rower in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro... Pause. Re-read the previous two sentences again, more slowly, and for dramatic effect. Yes, now please. Did I mention that we spoke to her during match week? Moving on, she talks about taking part in youth sports in Philadelphia (where she grew up) and the one very specific factor that led her to choose rowing over other sports. Additionally, we quickly discuss what we should be doing during this time of quarantine and social distancing as COVID-19 takes a strong presence in New York City, where she is currently based. To hear more on her journey and her continuing accomplishments, follow her story on Twitter and Instagram @cukogu

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Patricia Destine: Black & Human

#002: While recorded during Black History Month, we will amplify Black voices anytime and every time. The interviewee of our second episode is Patricia Destine, who is the co-host of Rowing in Color. She is a Haitian American coxswain turned rower turned rowing coach who lives in Brooklyn, New York. Her experiences chronicle what it was like to learn how to row in a sports based youth development setting. With co-host Denise, Patricia recalls her experiences at the boathouse, at regattas, with racist teammates, with white coaches, and what it feels like to be black - and human.

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Rowing in Color - Dr. Chierika “Coco” Ukogu, M.D.: Orthopedic Surgeon talks COVID-19 and Being Nigeria's First Olympic Rower

Transcript

spk_0: 0:00
it was I, I would say I said I would do it puts me is the team aspect. But then also how how linear it is. Like if you really trained with integrity, you're you can't help but be proud of whatever happens at the end of the day. And I think that that mentality has really permitted so many other aspects of my life. It was kind of, Ah, an accident. But I'm so thankful that I that I ended up rowing.
spk_1: 0:29
Hey, everyone, this is Denise