Sixteen year old sprint hurdler Jared Ejiasan has sent shockwaves through the track and field world after blazing to a jaw dropping 7.43 seconds in the 60m hurdles, officially shattering the global Under 18 record.
The performance was not just fast, it was historic. Competing against older and more experienced athletes, Ejiasan showed incredible composure, explosive acceleration out of the blocks, and near flawless technique over the barriers. His time places him among the fastest youth hurdlers the sport has ever seen and instantly marks him as one of the brightest young prospects in world athletics.
What makes the achievement even more powerful is his decision to represent Nigeria, despite living and training in France. In an era where many dual nationality athletes face difficult choices about allegiance, Ejiasan’s commitment to wearing the green and white has been widely celebrated by fans back home. For many Nigerians, his record breaking run is more than a personal triumph, it is a proud national moment.
Track analysts have already begun comparing his early trajectory to some of the sport’s great hurdlers, noting his rhythm between hurdles and strong finishing drive. At just 16, he still has years of physical development ahead of him, which makes his current speed even more remarkable.
His record breaking time in the indoor 60m hurdles is also a strong indicator of what he could achieve in the outdoor 110m hurdles event. If his progression continues at this pace, he could soon become a serious contender at continental championships and eventually the Olympics.
For Nigeria, a nation with a rich sprinting tradition, Ejiasan’s emergence signals a fresh wave of talent ready to dominate the global stage. For the young star himself, this is only the beginning.
History has already been made and the world is officially on notice.
