Bori Akinola

Bori Akinola

Elite sprinter Bori Akinola graduated with a BSc in Computer Science in 2024. An alumnus of UCD Ad Astra Academy, he won his first senior title in the National Indoor Championships in February 2025, storming to victory in the men's 60m final.  

What made you choose UCD for your degree?

I initially wasn't sure what university to go to. I was stuck between UCD and another university because it was closer to home, and my brother was already at UCD. I went to the open day with my secondary school and the moment I stepped foot on the UCD campus that day, my mind was made up.

What was your experience as an Ad Astra Scholar like?

During my year on the Ad Astra programme, I was able to utilize many of the benefits, especially the Sports Psychology. There's also something that changes in you when you're surrounded by people who are driven and committed to achieving specific goals. It lights a fire in you to be a better person. Being an Ad Astra scholar puts you in the company and network of really impressive people, and you have access to that network for life.

Have you always had a competitive streak?

Oh, I have. Most of the things I am good at, it was to prove someone wrong or to show that I'm better at something than someone else. It's brought me to where I am today. When I was younger, it got so intense that I became obsessed with results and outcomes. While those are good, it was unhealthy because there were no boundaries in place. I'm much better at it now.

What inspires you to work towards your goals and ambitions?

I have a lot of support around me, and I think that's what it is, to be honest. I am very secure knowing that no matter what goals I have, I'll always have the support I need to commit fully to them. The support comes from friends, family, the athletics club, and a few select individuals I've been blessed to have in my life.

How do you balance the demands of a full-time career with elite athletics?

I'm used to this at this point, as it's somewhat similar to my college life. I just have a routine and try to stick to it as best as I can.
I work as an iOS Engineer at Output Sports, and I'm grateful to them. They're very understanding of the demands of elite athletics and, as such, afford me some freedom when it comes to training and competitions. I wouldn't get this in a traditional employment setting.

What do you do to unwind?

My unwind involves listening to music, praying, and either meeting up with or being on the phone with my friends for a considerable amount of time. We can talk for hours on end. It's great.

Have you had any important mentors in your life?

I certainly have! The most impactful mentor in my athletics career was my PE teacher in secondary school, Sarah Murray. I wouldn't have even started training for athletics if it hadn't been for her. I currently have some other mentors whom I won't mention yet. I'm grateful for them.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

"With a grateful heart, try to enjoy every step of this journey of life."

"Anything you find yourself doing, do it with all conviction and certainty."

What are your favourite UCD memories?

In no particular order, my favorite memories are:

The first few days of a new semester before work properly starts, when everyone looks back at the memories of the previous semester and hopes to make more in the future.

Finding an empty classroom in Health Science or Science to "study" or "do some assignments" as we almost always end up chatting and laughing a lot.

Track days with the Athletics Club. You really can't beat the fun we have at training.

I was a peer mentor as well, and I really enjoyed giving the new students a tour of the campus and showing them my routine to get by. I still get texts from one or two of my mentees about classes and exams.

Where do you see your career taking you next?

In the immediate future, I see myself competing on the pro athletics circuit, qualifying for major championships, and getting the best out of myself that I can. I really want to inspire the next generation.