Udeme Okon shifts focus to exams after historic World Championships medal

By Charles Baloyi
24th October 2025

World Under-20 400m champion Udeme Okon says he is now focused on catching up with schoolwork and preparing for his final exams after missing a significant portion of the school term to represent South Africa at the World Senior Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 20-year-old Grade 12 learner from Florida High School helped South Africa win a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay alongside Wayde van Niekerk, Lythe Pillay, and Zakhithi Nene, marking a proud moment in his young career.

Okon told SABC Sport that while winning a world championship medal remains his biggest achievement, it came with academic sacrifices.

“Winning the bronze at the World Championships remains my biggest highlight, but it came at the cost of missing tests and exams. I’ve been working hard to catch up,” he said.

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Coached by Lyle Wentzel at the University of Johannesburg, where he trains regularly, Okon says he hopes to continue working with Wentzel beyond high school. However, he has yet to decide where he will study next year.

“Right now, my main focus is on exams. I’ll think about next year after that. One thing I know is that I want to stay with my coach and build on what we’ve achieved this season. I really like UJ, but we’ll make that decision once my exams are done,” he explained.

Reflecting on the relay final in Tokyo, Okon said running in heavy rain made it one of the toughest races of his career. “It was difficult — I could hardly see anything and just ran by feeling until I handed the baton to Wayde,” he recalled.

The rising star, who also won a silver medal with the Under-20 4x400m relay team in Lima, Peru, said competing at senior level was a whole new experience.

“It’s completely different — there’s more pressure and the level is higher. But running alongside legends like Wayde taught me so much,” he added.

Van Niekerk told SABC Sport that the future of South African sprinting looks promising with talented athletes like Udeme Okon and Lythe Pillay emerging. He added that he would be content to retire knowing the sport is in capable hands.

“With more investment and support, these guys can achieve great things and make the country proud. The future is definitely bright,” he said