Udeme Okon unperturbed by Wayde Van Niekerk comparisons

At just 19 years old, Okon is already being likened to the world 400m record holder and two-time world champion and Olympic gold medallist, whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the sport. 

While many believe Okon has the potential to emulate van Niekerk’s success, the young athlete is focused on charting his own path and is determined not to succumb to unnecessary pressure.

"To be honest, I'm still very young, I don't want to put unnecessary pressure on myself. I've already gotten that comparison and, like I said, I'm still young so I don't want to try and run as quick as him at a young age by over-exerting myself.

"I don't want to have a career where it's just, '[Okon] ran fast this one time. What's going to happen next?' And then next time I can't do it because I'm going through injuries and everything like that.

"But the comparison is a great thing – to be compared to the likes of Wayde, but I won't put that unnecessary pressure on myself.

"Even mentally, I focus a lot on my mental health, more than the physical, because if your mental [strength] is not that strength then I don't think your body will be able to do anything."

Since his return from the World U20 Championships in Peru, Okon has barely taken a break as he is determined to be fully prepared for the upcoming season, where he will start competing against senior athletes.

"I'm still training because, when I came back from the World Champs in Lima, I had like four weeks of rest and after that I've been working," he added.

"I do feel like I want a break, but at the same time I don't want to take it because, when I have two or three days' break, when I get back into the sessions, I feel kind of sluggish."

READ: Udeme Okon reflects on successful 2024 after World U20 Champs gold