University Student runs a School Record with the World’s second fastest 200m time in 2018

The 2018 athletics season is heating up, with university student-athletes posting some of the top times in the world

Nigerian student athlete Divine Oduduru has started 2018 in fine form as the Texas Tech University freshman posted a time of 20.49 seconds in the 200m to set a new school record for the event. The 21 year old’s time demolished Texas Tech’s 20-year school record, with the previous Texas Tech record for the event at 20.80 seconds. His record is also the second fastest time in the world in the 200m this year, trailing only the 20.45 performance that South Africa’s Ncincilili Titi ran at the Clemson Invitational on 20th of January.

Also breaking records in her new home at Oral Roberts University was freshman Eniekeme Alphonsus who set a school record in the 60m indoors. Alphonsus’ time of 7.37 seconds broke her own record in her third collegiate meet where she ran 7.44 seconds in the preliminaries. The Nigerian University Games and 2016 national junior champion enrolled at the American university in Tulsa, Oklahoma last year to further her education after completing a diploma in physical education at the University of Port Harcourt River state Nigeria.

 Divine Oduduru warming up while representing Texas Tech University

Nigerian University Games Association president and professor Stephen Hamaphyelto said he believes that the rejuvenation of athletics in Nigeria lies with these upcoming athletes. “If you can see the invisible, you can do the impossible, we are proud of our students, we will be keeping close tabs with them as they remain part of our programmes”.

Some other Nigerian students have also started 2018 in great form, Oluwatobiloba Amusan stormed to a personal best of 7.89 seconds to win heat 3 of the women’s 60m hurdles at the Dr. Martin Luther King Collegiate Invitational in New Mexico. Amusan’s time was the overall fastest in her first race since joining Adidas. Her time is currently second on the world list, with world record holder Kendra Harrison occupying the top spot with 7.82 seconds. In addition, Regina George returned to the track at the same meet where she finished in the second overall fastest time in the women’s 400m with a time of 53.94 seconds.