By Godfrey Komane
Having opened his season with a bang, reigning world junior 400m champion Udeme Okon says he’s not putting too much pressure on himself in the early stages of the 2025 campaign.
Competing in his first race as a senior athlete, Okon opened his season in the men’s 300m race at the Simbine Curro Classic Shootout at Pilditch Stadium in Pretoria last week.
With a stellar record behind him as a junior athlete, all eyes were on the 19-year-old athlete, but while the pressure was palpable, Okon remained focused, drawing on his experience and mental toughness to emerge on top in the 300m contest.
Okon charged to victory in 31.83 seconds, clocking the third fastest time by a South African over the distance (only Wayde van Niekerk and Clarence Munyai have gone quicker).
He outclassed 200m specialist Sinesipho Dambile (32.95) and 400m runner Mthi Mthimkulu (33.12) who came out second and third in the race respectively.
The University of Johannesburg student said afterwards he approached every race with one goal, which was to do his best.
“It was a good race. I got to the race with a good mindset, and the result was good, so I feel good about it,” Okon said after the race.
Looking ahead
South Africans have high expectations for Okon, who won gold in the 400m sprint at last year’s World Athletics U20 Championships in Peru.
The teenager was relaxed, however, and said he was taking it one step at a time, rather than putting himself under pressure.
“I don’t have much plans for the season as I know I am in a good form, so I will take things as they are,” Okon said.
“I’ll keep training hard to be the best and attend every competition with a good mindset.”
Okon’s sensational performance at the Simbine Curro Classic Shootout once again raised the bar as he continues to strive for excellence, and it’s exciting to think what the 2025 season holds for this talented athlete.
* Featured image of Udeme Okon by Cecilia van Bers
