Igali Graduates from SFU

October 4 2001

Ask wrestler Daniel Igali what compares to winning gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and his mind races past stacks of books and long nights of study to a different sort of finish line. "It's been a long journey here," he says of his newly completed bachelor of arts degree - something he carefully describes as "my other goal." Igali will celebrate the achievement at SFU's Oct. 4 morning convocation ceremony. "I have reached the top. It feels fantastic."
His two goals may seem miles apart, but since arriving in Canada in 1994 Igali has kept them both in sight. While his wrestling achievements put him in the world spotlight and drew acclaim, his studies provided personal satisfaction, and proof to his family in Nigeria and his adoptive family in Canada, that he would make something of himself. He says neither goal would have been reached without giving his best effort. "Doing my absolute best was still no guarantee I'd win the medal," he says of his gold performance in freestyle wrestling, a first for Canada. "But I knew time and perseverance would get me to my other goal."

It took nearly six years but Igali found a way to keep his dual focus in check. A criminology major, he took courses around his training program - securing top marks in one class just prior to the Olympics - and brought books with him to competitions around the world, though he admits they were seldom cracked.
Igali describes his university degree as just the beginning of his academic dream. He's focused on graduate studies and the prospects of establishing a career in international relations - a move that would ensure challenge and success won't end when his wrestling days are done. "I've been around the international scene and I'm intrigued by the possibilities," he says. "I think I can contribute big time." In the short term Igali is preparing to contribute in another way.
In March he'll lead a class of Mission high school students back to his hometown in Nigeria, where they will build a new school. "These kids have no blackboards, no desks, and the building is not in great shape. It has been this way since I was a kid," says Igali. "I promised myself that if I could ever do something about this, I would." Igali, who has a heavy competitive schedule next year, says he will even miss the qualifying event for next year's world championship competition if it conflicts with the building project. "I will be there, pounding nails," he says. "This is my focus now."
Igali will spend the next several months trying to raise about $100,000 still needed. To contribute, contact Igali at . Besides fundraising, Igali is also training for this year's world competition which will take place later this fall.