Eighteen-year-old Nigerian-born South African sprinter, Udeme Okon, has sent Nigerians and South Africans talking after he won gold in the 400m finals at the 2024 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.
Experts say it was a remarkable comeback for the athlete, clocking in at 45.69 seconds.
Born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, Okon emerged as the new World Junior Champion on Friday morning, winning the 400m with a time of 45.69 seconds.
The 18-year-old Grade 11 pupil from Florida Park High School in Johannesburg has since been a topic of discussion on social media, with South Africans and Nigerians on X claiming he is their own.
See the reactions from South Africans:
Udeme Okon. Winning is in the blood. 🇿🇦✨🥇🔥🔥🔥
He is South African. No DNA, just RSA. pic.twitter.com/uV0RDFBEde— Monwabisi Kete 🇿🇦 (@MonwabisiKete) August 30, 2024
If Nigeria won’t provide a healthy environment tor athletes to thrive expect more people to represent other country and fly high, Congratulations to my brother Udeme Akwa Ibom to the world
— Yes Boss (@mrroyekpo) August 30, 2024
Congratulations Udeme🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦💃💃💃
— Nelisiwe (@Nelisiwe94) August 30, 2024
Why are so many commenting about his Nigerian heritage? He was born in and grew up in SA. His father is Nigerian + his mother South African. And why does that matter? I think y’all love to be fuelled by hatred. It’s sad!
Try this: celebrate his hard work and achievements. 🥇🏃🏾♂️
— aL-paL (@annalinde_singh) August 30, 2024
I’m glad he chose us over Nigeria 💃💃🕺🕺💃🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦
— Real-Malusi ( Godson) 🤴🤴🤴🤴💰💰💵💵💸💸 (@Malusi43334413) August 30, 2024
From the Nigerian side:
Massive congratulations to Okon for representing Nigerian and South Africa well. 💚
— P_MAX (@DDT_PM) August 30, 2024
Some of the comments are very disrespectful. Okono chose SA but please remember he has roots in Nigeria and it is not always easy to choose. We are on here proud for what he did for us and then disrespecting his Nigerian might be hurtful for him and his family.Proud& dignified🇿🇦
— Mario Jacobs (@jacobsmario4) August 30, 2024
Interesting, Udeme Okon is a Nigerian name from either Akwa Ibom or Cross River State.
— 🌅💨🌻DoZ of The KoG💰💯💦 (@UyaiAkwa) August 30, 2024
