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Divine Iheme: A Rising Star in Sprinting Eyeing Future Glory
Last Updated: 06/01/25 10:08am
Fifteen-year-old Divine Iheme made headlines recently by establishing a new 60m world record for his age group in London.
Dubbed the next Noah Lyles, Iheme surpassed J-Mee Samuels’ long-standing record of 6.74 seconds, first clocking in at 6.71 seconds, followed by a 6.72 seconds performance at the BFTTA Indoor Series. His impressive feat places him fourth in the UK U18 all-time rankings, just shy of the record held by Mark Lewis-Francis at 6.69 seconds from 1999.
In an extraordinary show of talent, Iheme also recorded a blistering time of 10.3 seconds in the 100m last year, nearly a full second faster than Lyles’ best time at the same age. This substantial improvement in sprinting is a significant milestone for any young athlete.
Expressing his emotions after the record-breaking runs, Iheme stated, “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,” during an interview with Sky Sports News.
He added, “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.” Iheme’s admiration for Lyles serves as a motivating force in his journey to break even more records.
Inspired by Legends
Divine Iheme attributes his motivation to the athletes that preceded him, particularly Usain Bolt. Watching Bolt dominate the track at a young age instilled in him a desire to become a world-class sprinter. Known as ‘Lightning’ for his speed, Iheme has taken cues from the performances of the sport’s finest.
“I’ve watched quite a lot of Usain Bolt’s races and Allyson Felix’s 200m, 400m, and relays,” Iheme shared. “The first race I watched was Bolt’s 200m world record time of 19.19; it inspired me to pursue the dream.” He believes his running style is distinct and natural, as he strives to emulate the best while maintaining his own unique approach. “I try my best to slingshot off the bend in the 200m and continue holding first until I cross the finish line,” he explained.
A Blend of Talent and Heritage
Even though Divine Iheme has decided to represent Great Britain, his connection to Nigeria runs deep. Both of his parents were athletes for Nigeria, competing in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, while his grandparents also participated in running. This athletic legacy weighs heavily on him, contributing to his own sense of identity in the sport.
His mother, Nkiruka Anu, and father, Innocent Iheme, played significant roles in his development as athletes, with his father excelling in the 100m and long jump, and his mother specializing in the 100m and 200m. Reflecting on his upbringing, Iheme stated, “I’d say it’s a God-given talent to me, but it’s also my parents who’ve coached, helped me get there step-by-step—get quicker, train harder.” Furthermore, he acknowledged the demanding nature of training, emphasizing that the hard work pays off.
Divine Iheme’s performance and potential are stirring excitement among fans and experts alike, and his journey is only just beginning. With a unique blend of talent, heritage, and inspiration drawn from the legends of the sport, Iheme is poised to make a significant mark on athletics in the years to come.
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www.skysports.com