After being a world-class athlete and earning his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology (with an option in Exercise Science) from Fresno State in 2012, Calixte AHOLU came back to Fresno State to earn his master’s degree in the same subject. Now, as he is getting ready to graduate from the master’s program, AHOLU is once again excited for the next chapter in his life.

Born in West Africa, AHOLU grew up in Paris, France. He trained as an athlete in track and field, sprinting, and rally races and in 1992, his hard work paid off, earning him a spot in the coveted summer Olympics in Spain. Just four years later, he once again made it to the biggest stage in sports, competing in the 1996 summer Olympics in Atlanta.

After a successful run as an Olympian and traveling the world as a track and field athlete, he stayed in the United States on his Olympic Visa. He would go on to coach high school track and field in the Central Valley, while simultaneously training with his students. He’d run three to four times a week in the morning before school for 40 minutes.

“I do miss the competition, but you have to leave your spot for the new generation,” AHOLU said. “It’s for the new generation to express.”

He chose Fresno State to pursue kinesiology because of the University’s positive reputation and diversity of the students he saw there – all facets that made him feel at home. It was here that he saw bright future ahead for himself.

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