Udeme Okon reflects on a successful year after dominating the world in the 400m

Initially a football player like his brother, Ime Okon, a footballer for SuperSport United, Udeme switched to track and field, where he's been achieving significant success. 

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This year, the Grade 11 student from Florida High School, who has since advanced to Grade 12, claimed gold in the 400m and silver in the 4x100m relay at the World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru, in August. Earlier this month, he was honoured with the Central Gauteng Athletics Junior Athlete of the Year award. 

At just 20 years old, he's already making a notable mark in the 400m.

''I used to be a soccer player, but I saw that it wasn't for me. I was playing as a striker, and had challenges with injuries. So I was like let me just join the athletics, this was my first season and a special one, it came with a gold and a silver medal,'' said Okon. 

Okon, born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, chose to represent his country of birth. 

His journey took a pivotal turn in August last year when he met his coach, Lyle Wentzel. Under Wentzel’s guidance, Okon began focusing on the 200m and 400m events, occasionally competing in the 100m. 

This marked the beginning of a transformative phase in his athletic career.

''That is actually where he saw me, and we started with our sessions. Since then we have just been working,'' added Okon.

Udeme Okon enjoyed a standout year, claiming gold in the 400m and silver in the 4x400m relay at the World Under-20 Championships. 

His debut on the global stage was nothing short of remarkable, yet he remains humble about his accomplishments.

''To be honest I haven't even reflected on the win. I am happy about it but I am looking forward to doing better. I think it is a junior phase. I am with the support from my family and my coach,'' he expressed.

Udeme Okon draws inspiration from 400m world record holder Wayde van Niekerk and sprinting legend Usain Bolt. Competing in the 400m, 200m, and 100m events, he admires van Niekerk's dominance in the one-lap race and Bolt's unmatched prowess in the shorter sprints.

Udeme Okon received the Central Gauteng Athletics Junior Athlete of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding performance at the World Championships, a well-deserved honour that came as no surprise to him.