Udeme Okon is such a phenomenally talented athlete he is already being compared to one of South Africa’s all-time greats on the track.
And the comparisons between Okon and 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk are not only valid, but they offer some idea of what we can expect from the 19-year-old sprinter.
While much of the hype at the World Athletics U20 Championships last week revolved around 100m/200m champion Bayanda Walaza, Okon deserves just as much praise.
Okon secured two medals at the global junior championships in Lima, Peru, winning gold in the men’s 400m final and anchoring the 4x400m relay team to the silver medal.
Coach and mentors
Having started out as a 100m/200m sprinter at Florida Park high school, Okon switched to the 400m event after linking up with coach Lyle Wentzel in August last year.
Okon is full of praise for all his mentors, including Florida Park teacher Hjordis Martin who spotted his talent, but he is particularly grateful to Wentzel.
“I’m really grateful for him because he did the most for me. There were times when I needed new spikes, new tracksuits and other things, and he provided for me,” Okon said of his relationship with Wentzel after he returned home from the World U20 Championships on Wednesday.
“He takes time out and he’s there, just to come out and make me the best athlete. Also my teacher (Martin) who helps me and makes sure I’m mentally strong. I’m grateful to both of them.”
World-class prospect
Looking ahead, Okon might just be the best prospect in a golden generation of young South African athletes who look ready to take on the world.
And he appreciates the comparisons made between him and Van Niekerk, who was also a 200m sprinter before switching to the 400m event after struggling with injuries.
At the age of 20, Van Niekerk held personal bests of 10.48 (100m), 20.91 (200m) and 45.09 (400m), and he became one of the most versatile sprinters in the history of the sport.
At the age of 19, Okon holds personal bests of 10.34 (100m), 20.54 (200m) and 45.41 (400m), which suggests he has the potential to become a powerhouse in global sprinting.
He still needs to put in a lot of work to match what Van Niekerk achieved at senior level, but the potential is clearly there. And Okon is understandably pleased to be competing at a level where he is being compared to a legend of South African athletics.
“I’ve seen the comparisons (with Van Niekerk) and I see the times he was running were similar to mine,” Okon said.
“So I’m grateful that I’m moving into his range and his running style, and I’m grateful for him.”
