Toyin Augustus
Class of 2026
The Bird’s Nest was a $428 million marvel of whimsy, imagination and construction genius, serving as centerpiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
On a hot, sunny day 50 hours before her appearance in the starting blocks in the Olympics, Toyin Augustus sat in the shadows on a ramp leading into the stadium, sharing a life story with a reporter.
With the international flavor of the Olympic Games come myriad languages, constant translations. Including one that was offered on that August Friday in Beijing for Oluwatoyin – the full first name. “In the Yoruba language of Nigeria, it means ‘The Lord deserves praise,’” she said.
This lovely translation is a mantra never far from Toyin’s heart as she continues her journey in life and in track. “I feel closest to God in those moments in my training where I've given all that I can, that my body is tapped out, that there's not enough air in my lungs, and I'm just like, Lord, I don't know if I can get up from this track. And God shows up for me. I connect to God and I’m able to catch that second wind. I'm able to just look up, to feel carried on His wings.”
A state champion at Grissom High, she ran collegiately at Penn State, then competed for her native Nigeria in numerous events, including the 100-meter hurdles in the Olympics. And now, in her mid-40s, she owns four world records in masters track. (The 60- and 80-meter hurdles, for both the women’s 40-44 age group and the 45-49 age group.)
Toyin is from Oyo State, in southwestern Nigeria, then her father Preston and wife Eunice moved the family to the U.S., first to New Mexico, then Nashville, and finally to Huntsville as she was entering middle school. Older sister Seun began competing in track, and Toyin’s interest was piqued. “My dad took me to the track to cheer her on, support her. I jumped in there with her, and I beat her and I was like, oh my gosh, like maybe I can be good.”
Toyin set state indoor records in the long jump and hurdles, and won three state outdoor titles as a senior. She signed with Penn State, where she was a track standout with multiple school records set and All-Big 10 Academic and All-District All-Academic. So impressive was her resume, the NCAA cast her in one of its public-service commercials emphasizing academic success by student-athletes. After college, Toyin decided to pursue the dream of becoming a professional athlete and competing for Nigeria. After qualifying for the 2004 team, she was disappointed not to be selected, but two years later received a call requesting that she join the Nigerian National team to compete at the African Championships. Her response, "If you’re willing to buy my ticket, I’m willing to go.” She flew to Mauritius, the site of the games, and won the 100 meter hurdles. Toyin made a mark that would keep eyes on her as a top contender for the Olympic team two years later.
She continued to compete, traveling to over three dozen countries around the globe, and has recently flung herself into Masters competitions. Toyin lives in Los Angeles as she raises her 13-year-old daughter, Haiven, who counts track among her many activities. Toyin works as an educational consultant, supporting schools and social service organizations. She and her partner Tim Davis have joined forces on leveraging theatrical productions to build empathy and facilitate brave conversation within communities.
As for this Hall of Fame induction, “it means that I'm seen, that I'm recognized, that my accomplishments are valued in Huntsville, Alabama. It means that there is love and value for this Nigerian-American immigrant girl who wasn't always sure of herself, but had a level of confidence and perseverance and tenacity to keep going. And in a world where there's so many opportunities to feel excluded and not valued, this moment feels like healing. It feels like love.”
-- Mark McCarter
