Araka makes history as Kenya’s first U20 100m champion, Nigeria sweeps U18 medals

Kenya’s Simeon Araka blazed his way into the history books by becoming the nation’s first-ever winner of the men’s 100m title at the African U20 Championships. The 18-year-old surged past South Africa’s Karabo Letebele and Nigeria’s John Caleb to clinch gold with a time of 10.42s (-1.7 m/s).

This landmark win places Araka in elite company as he looks to follow in the footsteps of sprint icons like Ferdinand Omanyala and Joseph Gikonyo. Araka’s triumph also marks Kenya’s breakthrough in a sprint event traditionally dominated by West African nations.

In the women’s U20 100m final, Nigeria’s Nweke Chioma powered to gold in 11.65s (-1.9 m/s), holding off strong competition from teammate Success Oyibu, who settled for silver.

Meanwhile, Miracle Eluebube Ezechukwu led a sensational Nigerian sweep in the girls’ U18 100m final. Her explosive 11.88s secured top honors, with compatriots Nwankwo Rosemary Chigozie (11.96s) and Jegede Mariam (12.24s) completing a clean podium lockout.

The championships showcased a rising generation of African sprint talent, setting the stage for future continental dominance on the track.