Divine Iheme, a 14-year-old sprinting sensation from Great Britain, is quickly making a name for himself in the world of athletics. His recent performances have not only garnered attention but also drawn comparisons to the legendary Usain Bolt, sparking excitement and anticipation for his future.
Iheme recently shattered the world 100-meter record for his age group, clocking an astonishing 10.30 seconds at the Lee Valley athletics meet on August 26th. This incredible feat surpasses the previous record of 10.51 seconds, set by Jamaica’s Sachin Dennis, and has placed Iheme firmly in the global spotlight as a rising star.
Prior to this groundbreaking performance, Iheme was already recognized as the fastest 14-year-old over 100 meters in the UK, having achieved a personal best of 10.56 seconds at the England Athletics Under-15 and Under-17 Open Championships just a month before. His 10.30-second sprint at Lee Valley not only smashed the previous world best but also placed him third on the European under-18 all-time list. Only Great Britain’s Teddy Wilson (10.26) and France’s Jeff Erius (10.27) have recorded faster times in the under-18 category.
The speed and potential displayed by Iheme have led many to wonder if he could one day challenge Usain Bolt’s legendary 100-meter world record of 9.58 seconds. While this may be a distant goal, Iheme’s rapid progress suggests that anything is possible for the young sprinter.
Born on January 1, 2009, to Nigerian parents Innocent and Nkiruku Iheme, Divine has been immersed in a supportive sporting environment from a young age. His mother, Nkiruku, who also coaches him, founded the PWD Athletic Academy in Oxfordshire, where the family resides and Divine trains. Both parents have a rich athletic background, having represented Nigeria at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Despite his meteoric rise, Divine remains grounded and humble, attributing his success to his natural talent. He has studied the techniques of legendary sprinters like Usain Bolt and Allyson Felix, but insists on maintaining his own unique style. “I’ve watched quite a lot of Usain Bolt’s races and Allyson Felix’s 200m, 400m, and relays,” Iheme shared with Sky Sports. “Probably the first race I watched was his 200m world record, the 19.19, and I was inspired to pursue the dream. In my opinion, I think my running style is unique and natural. I don’t try to model it from anyone. It’s just a God-given talent.”
As Iheme continues to break records and capture attention with his extraordinary performances, he is being hailed as a future track star for Great Britain. With his remarkable achievements at such a young age, Divine Iheme is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of athletics.
