In the wake of the astonishing performance by young Australian Gout Gout—who clocked a 10.29-second 100m at just 14 years old—another rising star has made an even bigger statement in northeast London.
Nicknamed “Lightning Divine,” this young sprinter was born on October 1, 2009, into a family already deeply rooted in athletics. Both of his parents, Innocent Iheme and Nkiruku Iheme, are former Nigerian athletes who represented their country at various international competitions, including the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. Born in Nigeria, Divine Iheme later moved to the UK with his family, settling in Radley, south of Oxford.
After an impressive season that saw him post personal bests of 10.56 seconds over 100m and 21.63 seconds over 200m, his main goal was to break the U15 world record in the 100m, set at 10.51 seconds by Jamaica’s Sachin Dennis in 2017.
At the BFTTA Open Meet (Be Fit Today Track Academy), Divine Iheme shattered that record. Finishing fourth in a race that featured senior athletes, the young sprinter stormed across the line in 10.30 seconds (+1.7m/s wind, within the legal limit of 2.0m/s), slashing 21 hundredths off the previous mark.
This performance also places Iheme as the third-fastest U18 sprinter in European history, behind compatriot Teddy Wilson (10.26) and France’s Jeff Erius (10.27). At just 14 years old, he is now Europe’s fastest U18 sprinter and the third-fastest in the world for his age group.
Effortless Speed, Just Like His Idol
Much like Gout Gout, Divine Iheme exhibits an explosive start and a seamless acceleration phase, powering through the finish line with a commanding lead.
His dominance on the track is reminiscent of a certain Usain Bolt, with whom he shares the “Lightning” nickname. Speaking to Sky Sports, the young sprinter revealed:
“I’ve watched a lot of Usain Bolt’s races, and also Allyson Felix’s 200m, 400m, and relay performances.”
“The first race I ever watched was probably Bolt’s 200m world record, his 19.19, and that’s what made me dream of sprinting.”
“I do my best to attack the bends in the 200m and maintain my lead all the way to the finish line.”
Though born in Nigeria, Divine Iheme confirmed in the interview that he plans to represent Britain over Nigeria in the future, as “they have supported me the most throughout my career.”
