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Following Divine Iheme setting an age-14 world best and the viral video of Australia's wonder kid Gout Gout, track fans are divided on the 'Next Usain Bolt' debate which can be a future Messi vs Ronald rivalry of the 100m.
Track fans are currently divided on the 'Next Usain Bolt' debate following the recent exploits of Sudanese-Australian Gout Gout and British-Nigerian Divine Iheme, whose talents have now been likened to a brewing Messi vs Ronaldo rivalry of the 100m.
On August 26th at the BFTTA Open at Lee Valley in England, Brit sensation Iheme shattered the age-14 World Record in the 100m event, clocking a jaw-dropping 10.30s (1.7).
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By doing this, the 14-year-old nicknamed 'Lightening Divine' obliterated the previous record of 10.51s held by Jamaica's Sachin Dennis, thus announcing himself as a worthy heir to Bolt's throne in a few years.
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18:05 - 26.08.2024
British-Nigerian speed sensation inspired by Usain Bolt shatters age-14 World Record
Divine Iheme, son of ex-Nigerian athletes shattered the age-14 world record after being inspired by Usain Bolt.
His progress in the past two years has been nothing short of outstanding, considering he was running 11.3 seconds when he was 12, and earlier this year in May, he dropped a brilliant 10.46s before his blistering new world best.
Interestingly, Iheme isn't the only exceptional talent that has glazed headlines for his generational speed as 16-year-old Australian Gout Gout went viral after he won the Queensland Athletics Championships in March in a lightning-quick time of 10.29s.
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Gout also combines well in the 200m, having a personal best of 20.69s, and has been described by many as a future Olympian and world record holder. For context, his 100m personal best is just 0.11s behind Bolt's time when he was 16yrs.
![Gout Gout: [WATCH] Australian Usain Bolt's sensational 10.29s that has put the track world on notice](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/24032024/e2850757-d66a-4eda-ac2e-72d8ba376c0f.png?operations=fit(:350))
21:33 - 23.03.2024
Gout Gout: [WATCH] Australian Usain Bolt's sensational 10.29s that has put the track world on notice
Many speedsters have been dubbed the 'Next Usain Bolt'. However, Australia's Gout Gout may actually be the chosen one following his record-breaking performances at a young age.
Undoubtedly, the pair are built and talented enough to be the future of men's sprinting with both tipped for a Lionel Messi - Cristiano Ronaldo's type of rivalry in the 100m.
What track fans are saying about Gout Gout and Divine Iheme
One wrote: "Devine Iheme and Gout Gout could be the Ronaldo and Messi of 100m sprinting."
A second said: "He only gets going at 60m I bet he’ll be a monster at 200m," on Gout Gout.
A third added: "How is that even possible? Many professional adult sprinters don't run that fast."
Another wrote on Gout Gout: "I can tell this is not his full speed because how on earth did he start slow and still manage to give them that kinda gap?"
"The way he runs and leaves opponents behind him, reminds us of a legend. Usain Bolt"
"How is that even possible? Many professional adult sprinters don't run that fast," wrote a fan on Divine Iheme.
Gout Gout and Divine Iheme on being inspired by Usain Bolt
Gout has acknowledged the Bolt comparisons and while he is flattered, at the same time he is trying to carve his path.
"It's pretty cool because Usain Bolt is arguably the greatest athlete of all time and just being compared to him is a great feeling," Gout told news.com.au in April.
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"Obviously, I'm Gout Gout so I'm trying to make a name for myself. If I can get to the level he was that would be a great achievement."
Meanwhile, Iheme attributes his track success to studying footage of the legendary Jamaican sprinter but maintains he doesn't try to copy his running style.
"I've watched quite a lot of Usain Bolt's races and Allyson Felix's 200m, 400m, and relays," said Iheme in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Probably the first race I watched, was his [Bolt's] 200m world record, the 19.19, and I was inspired to pursue the dream. I try my best to slingshot off the bend [in 200m] and continue holding first until I cross the finish line.
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08:15 - 28.08.2024
Usain Bolt of Pole Vaulting: 9 fascinating things about the GOAT of athletics with TEN world records
With ten amazing World Records, Armand Duplantis is in the rare league of the GOAT's of athletics - one which Usain Bolt equally occupies the list.
"In my opinion, I think my [running style] is unique and natural. I don't try to model it from anyone. It's just a God-given talent," he said.
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