Who Was the British Sprinter Faster Than Lyles and Gout at Just 14?

Divine Iheme: The Fastest 15-Year-Old in History

At just 15 years old, Divine Iheme has captured the attention of the athletics world, not only for his remarkable speed but also for his extraordinary potential. With a record-breaking 100m run of 10.3 seconds at 14, he has established himself as one of the most promising young sprinters globally. As he continues to break barriers, Divine's journey from a young boy with a passion for running to a world-record holder is both inspiring and captivating.

The Making of a Prodigy

Born in Oxford to Nigerian parents, both of whom were international sprinters, Divine's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. His mother, Nkiruka Divine, recalls knowing he was destined for greatness even during her pregnancy. "I knew when he was in my tummy," she reflects. "He kept on kicking." This early indication of talent was nurtured as he grew, with Nkiruka and her husband, Innocent, recognizing Divine’s exceptional abilities in athletics by the time he reached primary school.

Early Years and Discovery of Talent

Initially trying his hand at gymnastics, Divine quickly found his true calling in athletics at the age of seven. He recalls the moment he realized he was different from his peers during a 75m race in primary school. "There would always be this big gap," he says, laughing. "I'd always look back saying: 'Did I run that?'" This realization marked the beginning of a focused journey towards becoming a sprinter.

Turning Point: The English Schools Athletics Championships

At 13, Divine participated in the English Schools Athletics Championships, where he won the 100m in an impressive 11.7 seconds. This victory was pivotal; it solidified his desire to pursue athletics seriously. "I was like: 'This is what I want to do,'" he recalls. The support from his parents, especially from his mother, who also serves as his coach, has been instrumental in his development as an athlete.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Divine Iheme's accolades are impressive for someone so young. In January, he set the 60m indoor world record for 15-year-olds, showcasing his versatility and speed across different distances. His remarkable achievements stand in stark contrast to the performances of other renowned sprinters at the same age. For example, Olympic champion Noah Lyles had a personal best of around 11 seconds, while Australian sprint prodigy Gout Gout clocked 10.57 seconds.

Goals and Aspirations

With these records under his belt, Divine's ambitions extend even further. He aspires to win Olympic gold in both the 100m and 200m events. "I can see myself with an Olympic title to my name," he confidently states. "Hopefully, it will happen." Such aspirations are not mere dreams; they are grounded in his dedication and the rigorous training regimen established by his mother and coach.

Training Challenges and Discipline

Training is no walk in the park for Divine. He trains four times a week at the PWD Athletics Academy, founded by his parents in Oxford. "It's tough, very tough. I can't escape any sessions," he admits with a smile. Nkiruka emphasizes the importance of discipline during training sessions. "Once we enter the track, I don't look at him as my son," she insists. "I have to get down to business." This dual relationship creates a unique dynamic, allowing Divine to receive honest feedback and critical training that fosters his growth as an athlete.

The Influence of Role Models

Divine draws inspiration from the legends of athletics, particularly Usain Bolt and Letsile Tebogo. He has watched countless videos of Bolt's record-breaking performances, motivating him to push his limits continually. "I saw his recent 20.2, and I was really happy for him," he says about Gout Gout, showcasing his respect for fellow athletes. The admiration for others in the sport drives Divine to improve his own performances consistently.

Future Goals: Personal Bests and Competitive Edge

Looking ahead, Divine aims to improve his 100m time further, targeting a personal best of 10.2 seconds or even lower. He is also focused on the 200m, hoping to break the elusive sub-21 seconds barrier. "I'm hoping to run a PB of 10.2 or even lower," he states with ambition. These goals exemplify the intensity of his training and his commitment to achieving greatness.

Striking a Balance: Teen Life and Athletic Ambitions

Despite his impressive athletic achievements, Divine remains grounded and relatable. Like any typical teenager, he enjoys binge-watching shows on Netflix, understanding the importance of maintaining a balance between his athletic career and personal life. "I like to watch Netflix. I love binge-watching," he admits. This balance is crucial, as it helps prevent burnout and keeps him mentally fresh for training and competition.

The Long Road Ahead

While Divine has already accomplished remarkable feats, it’s essential to recognize that the path to becoming a top-level athlete is not guaranteed. The world of athletics is rife with examples of young talents who did not transition successfully into senior competitions. "Many of us who have been in athletics for a long time understand that it's a marathon," says Dwain Chambers, a former world indoor champion. The emphasis on nurturing talent and teaching athletes essential skills both on and off the track is vital for their long-term success.

Conclusion: The Future of Athletics

Divine Iheme is not just a name to watch; he is a symbol of hope and potential in the world of athletics. With his remarkable speed, disciplined training, and unwavering ambition, he is poised to make a significant impact in the sport. As he continues to break records and inspire others, the athletics community eagerly anticipates what the future holds for this young prodigy. Will he fulfill his dreams of Olympic glory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Divine Iheme is just getting started.

FAQs

Who is Divine Iheme?

Divine Iheme is a 15-year-old sprinter from Oxford who has set multiple records, including the 100m world record for his age group and the 60m indoor world record for 15-year-olds.

What records has Divine Iheme set?

Divine holds the world record for the 100m for 14-year-olds with a time of 10.3 seconds and the 60m indoor world record for 15-year-olds.

What are Divine Iheme's future goals?

Divine aspires to win Olympic gold medals in both the 100m and 200m events and aims to achieve personal best times of 10.2 seconds in the 100m and sub-21 seconds in the 200m.

How is Divine Iheme trained?

Divine trains at the PWD Athletics Academy, founded by his parents, and trains four times a week under the guidance of his mother, who is also his coach.

What is the significance of staying grounded for young athletes?

Staying grounded is essential for young athletes like Divine to prevent burnout, maintain a balanced life, and ensure a successful transition to senior-level competitions.

As the athletics world watches closely, one must wonder: can Divine Iheme continue his record-breaking journey and achieve his Olympic dreams? The answer may lie in his dedication and the unwavering support of those around him. #DivineIheme #AthleticsProdigy #FutureChampion