Florence Ekpo-Umoh

Nigerian-born 400 metres runner Florence Ekpo-Umoh fled to Germany during a Stuttgart training camp in preparation for the African Games, and married her German coach Otmar Velte. She adopted German nationality in 2000.

Ekpo-Umoh was a member of the German 4x400 metres relays at the 2000 Sydney (eliminated in the heats) and the 2008 Beijing (6th place) Olympics. In 2001, the relay squads won silver at the World Championships, and bronze at the World Indoors. In 2001, Ekpo-Umoh won the European Cup and in 2002 she became European Champion, on both occasions with the relay squads. Domestically, she won the German youth titles over 400 metres from 1997-99.

In 2003 Ekpo-Umoh tested positive for Stanozolol and was banned for two years. She and her husband separated, and she became unemployed. In 2007, she fought her way back into the German team.

Personal Best: 400 – 51.13 (2001).