Young Nigerian sensation sets new 60m hurdles world record

At just 16 years old, Nigerian-born Jared Ejiasian has already etched his name into the record books.

Competing at the French U18 and U20 Indoor Championships in Val-de-Reuil, the teenage hurdler blazed through the 60 meters hurdles in an astonishing 7.43 seconds, breaking the U18 world record by five hundredths of a second.

The feat not only dethroned the seven-year-old mark set by France’s Sasha Zhoya in 2019 but also cemented Ejiasian as one of the brightest young talents in global athletics.

“I’m Jared Ejiasian, a 16-year-old Nigerian, and recently I achieved something I had dreamed about for years I broke the U18 world record in the men’s 60 meters hurdles.

“It happened at the French U18 and U20 Indoor Championships in Val-de-Reuil. I ran the final in 7.43 seconds, shaving five hundredths of a second off the previous record of 7.48 seconds set by France’s Sasha Zhoya in 2019.

“Standing on that track at Stade Couvert Jesse Owens, I felt everything click the speed, the rhythm over the hurdles, and the focus to push past every barrier.

“This is my second big win of the indoor season. Earlier in January, I competed at the Tempo Run League indoor meet, winning in 7.57 seconds and setting a new African U18 record.

“That moment gave me the confidence that breaking the world record was possible.

“I was born in Nigeria but moved to France when I was just three months old. Even though I train here, I proudly represent Nigeria in competitions.

“I have started the process of becoming a French citizen, but my heart remains tied to Nigeria, and I’ll always cherish my roots.

“Looking back, I can see this journey started long ago. In 2024, I broke four French school records in the U14 category, including three in the 200 meters hurdles and one in the 4×60 meters mixed relay.

“Competing for AC Nord Val d’Oise has taught me discipline and given me the platform to chase my dreams.

“I know this is just the beginning. Every hurdle I clear on the track is a step closer to bigger goals.

“For now, I’m enjoying this moment, proud to make Nigeria proud, and excited for what the future holds in sprint hurdling”.

With his record-breaking run, Jared Ejiasian has sent a clear message to the world: Nigerian talent knows no bounds. As he continues to train and compete, the teenage hurdler’s rise promises to inspire a new generation of athletes both in Nigeria and beyond.

For now, the spotlight shines brightly on Ejiasian a young star whose journey has only just begun.