Meet teenage sprinting sensation Divine Iheme, seen as the next Noah Lyles | Sport-others News
If there is the 17-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout in Australia, there is Divine Iheme, just 15, in Britain. Gout Gout is being seen as the next Usain Bolt, Iheme the next Noah Lyles, the current 100-metre Olympic champion. These are early days, yet both these sprinters have made headlines stopping the clock with insane timings.
Iheme broke the age-group world record for the 60 metres on Sunday at the BFTTA Indoor Series. He attained dinction twice breaking the previous record of 6.74 seconds set over two decades ago in 2003 clocking 6.71 and 6.72. That’s not all, Iheme is already fourth on the United Kingdom’s Under-18 all-time l over 60 metres.
What really got people talking about Iheme’s potential as the next sprint sensation was when the teenager, born to Nigerian parents, went faster than Lyles did at the age of 14 in the 100 metres. That was last year.
“When I first saw it, I was in utter shock, I couldn’t believe it! I was jumping about, running around, I just felt so happy but I couldn’t have done it without God,” said Iheme, speaking to Sky Sports News. “Noah Lyles is a great athlete and he’s given me a lot of confidence to pursue this career, run quicker, get a better time.”
6.72s!!!! 🔥 at FIFTEEN!!This guy is truly insane!World Age-15 record ☑️
Divine Iheme 🇬🇧 storms to a World Age 15 record of 6.72s at Lee Valley 🤯🤯🤯
He breaks J-Mee Samuels record of 6.74s from 2003! pic.twitter.com/qrZqsHFVDz
— World Athletics Hub (@wldathleticshub) January 5, 2025
Halfway around the world in Australia, Gout, whose parents are from South Sudan but have settled down in Queensland, made waves last month when he became the sixth fastest 18-year-old ever. He also clocked 20.04 seconds to break the Australian 200-metre national record that had stood the test of time — Peter Norman’s 20.06 seconds from the 1968 Olympic Games.
There have been many young sprinters with exceptional starts to their careers but didn’t go onto enjoy the same level of success at the senior level. However, at present both Gout and Iheme are being viewed as once-in-a-generation talents.
Iheme’s parents — father Innocent and mother Nkiruku — represented Nigeria at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Iheme is also seeking inspiration from the right sources.
“I’ve watched quite a lot of Usain Bolt’s races and Allyson Felix’s 200m, 400m and relays,” Iheme said. “Probably the first race I watched was his (Bolt’s) 200m world record, the 19.19, and I was inspired to pursue the dream. I try my best to slingshot off the bend and continue holding first until I cross the finish line. In my opinion, I think my [running style] is unique and natural. I don’t try to model it from anyone.”
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to our award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with trusted, accurate reporting.
Make smarter decisions with insights that matter.
Choose your subscription package
