Noah Lyles isn’t just owning the track—he’s out here inspiring a whole new generation. One rising star soaking up that influence? Divine Iheme is a 14-year-old track phenom who’s already turning heads. This kid is unreal—becoming the fastest 14-year-old in Britain and the world at the Lee Valley athletics meet on August 26. He shattered the world record for his age group, running an insane 10.3 seconds! That’s a full 0.21 seconds quicker than the previous mark set by Jamaica’s Sachin Dennis at 10.51. For context? Iheme’s already faster than Noah Lyles was at 14!

Lyles, now the fastest man in the world in 100m, could only hit 11.27 seconds when he was 14. To put Divine’s performance in even more perspective, his time makes him the third-fastest track and field under-18 athlete, with the UK’s Teddy Wilson and France’s Jeff Erious topping that list. It’s no surprise some are already dubbing him the “new Noah Lyles.” If this is how Divine is starting out, the sky’s the limit for his track career.

His talent might just run in the family. Both of his parents, Innocent and Nkiruku Iheme, represented Nigeria at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Now settled in Oxfordshire, Nkiruku even runs her own gym and coaches Divine. The kid’s been doing his homework, too, studying greats like Lyles to sharpen his skills!

Divine Iheme talked to Sky Sports about how watching the American sprinter race constantly has given him the confidence to run better. He said, “Noah Lyles is a great athlete, and he’s given me a lot of confidence to pursue this career, run quicker, get a better time. I feel like it gives me the confidence to break more and more barriers as I go through my journey.” He definitely has the ability to do that, considering the records he’s broken.

When the UK athlete first saw his record-breaking time, he was in complete disbelief. The moment was so surreal that he could barely contain his excitement. “When I first saw it, I was in utter shock. I couldn’t believe it! I was jumping about, running around, I just felt so happy but I couldn’t have done it without God,” he shared. Divine might need to get used to this feeling, as he’s on a path that’s likely to see him shatter more records. And he’s drawing inspiration from the crème de la crème of athletics: Noah Lyles, Usain Bolt, and Allyson Felix.

Speaking of Usain Bolt, Divine recalls that Bolt’s 19.19-second world record in the 200m was the very first track event he ever watched. “I try my best to slingshot off the bend [in 200m] and continue holding first until I cross the finish line,” he explained. Allyson Felix’s relay performances also left a big impression on him, fueling his drive. And, of course, Lyles, the Olympic gold medallist, continues to be a major source of motivation. Divine’s not the first to be inspired by Lyles. The American’s candidness about his struggles has resonated with many, earning him praise and making a difference for countless people.

How Noah Lyles fulfilled his mother’s dream of inspiring the youth

Noah Lyles’s childhood was a real struggle—he battled severe asthma from the age of three, leading to frequent hospital visits until he was seven. So when he announced he wanted to pursue track and field, his mom, Keisha Caine, wasn’t exactly thrilled. With his health always her top concern, her hesitation was totally understandable. But as Noah’s talent became undeniable, Keisha came around and turned into his biggest fan, backing him through every twist and turn.

Post-Olympics, Keisha shared her hope that Noah’s story would inspire kids everywhere, no matter their hurdles. “I just want our experience to encourage somebody else. That kid might have asthma or ADHD or dyslexia. Or a single mom. Like we want you to know that when you start is when you finish,” she said.

And it’s clear Noah is leaving a mark. Adding to the proof of his impact, educator Erica Clason posted a similar poster in her special education classroom. “Using an Olympian @LylesNoah to inspire my special education classroom!!” she wrote on X. Noah’s reply to the post was heartfelt, and Clason even extended an invite for him to speak to the kids in person if he’s ever in Charlotte. It looks like Noah’s influence is far-reaching, touching hearts with both his athletic prowess and his personal story of overcoming adversity. Keisha Caine must be beaming with pride—her son’s legacy is clearly inspiring the next generation in ways she could only dream of!