Olympic hopeful Ilori gains scholarship to University of Missouri

06 Feb 2012

National U20 Triple Jump Champion, Jono Ilori, who left the Royal Hospital School in the summer of 2011 with A Levels in Politics, English, French and Physical Education was contacted by former Olympian and World Champion 100m and long jumper, Kareem Streete-Thompson, and offered a scholarship at the University of Missouri.

Jono said, “The opportunity to be coached by an all-time great doesn’t come around every day. Missouri is a well known university and recognised as one of the best in the USA both academically and for sport.”

Prior to joining Missouri in January 2012, Jono stepped up his training in preparation. He explained “these last 3 months have taught me a lot about life, the world of professional sport and myself. I have learnt that to be at the very top, hard work is critical. At times it has been both physically and psychologically difficult to keep it up but I am beginning to see the rewards in my performance”.

Jono arrived at the University of Missouri last Friday and he describes his first week, “I was absolutely stunned at the campus, the facilities and the resources available. My first week of training has gone very well and there is a great team spirit here”.

He goes on to say, “when I joined the Royal Hospital School in year 7, I never predicted I would be where I am now. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work – anything is possible”.

Jono is studying for a dual degree in International Relations and International Business at the University of Missouri as well as preparing for the Olympic Trials and World Junior Championships.