In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Diamond Shakoor, an exceptional 8-year-old girl from Columbus, Ohio, has set an outstanding record by becoming the youngest African-American female to go undefeated in a Chess National competition organized by the United States Chess Federation (USCF) in Florida in 2009.
Diamond’s journey into the world of chess began when her father, Abdul Shakoor, an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer who taught the game to 150 children, ignited her interest in the strategic sport. Under her father’s tutelage, Diamond entered her first tournament in April 2008, securing an impressive 42nd place out of 97 participants.
Undeterred by her initial challenges, Diamond continued to hone her skills, participating in the Ohio All Girls Championship, where she secured 4th place for the K-2nd grade age group. Her remarkable performance continued at the Ohio Grade Level State Championships, where she earned the 2nd place position among 2nd graders in the state.
It was at the USCF National competition in Florida that Diamond’s talent truly shone, as she emerged victorious, claiming her first national title and etching her name in the annals of chess history.
Diamond’s passion for the game is evident in her words: “I love to play chess, it’s like life basically. It’s like a battle. Half of it is natural talent, but I’m starting to study now.” Her father, Abdul, believes that chess not only improves academic performance and critical thinking skills but also boosts self-esteem in children.
Encouraged by Diamond’s success, Lou Seipel, the Director of Supportive Services at CPO, worked with Abdul to ensure Diamond’s participation in the Florida competition. And her hard work paid off, as she consistently outperformed her father, leading him to declare, “When she’s focused, it’s incredibly tough to beat her. I have a feeling she is going to be a female world champion.”
Since her historic achievement, Diamond has continued to add to her impressive collection of accolades, earning seven trophies and fifteen medals for her exceptional chess skills. Her talent and dedication have also been recognized by the Columbus City School Board of Education, further solidifying her status as a prodigy in the making.
Diamond’s remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring chess players and young minds alike, proving that age and background are no barriers to greatness when paired with passion, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
