South Africa’s Udeme Okon just made history, snatching gold in the 400m final at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships in Lima, Peru. Okon’s incredible comeback saw him cross the finish line in 45.69 seconds, and the internet is going wild.
What’s got everyone talking even more? Okon’s dual roots in Nigeria and South Africa, which have sparked reactions from both sides. His victory is being celebrated across borders, a welcome change amid the tension brewing between the two nations.
Recently, the spotlight was on Miss Chidinma Onwe Adetshina, a South African-born model of Nigerian and Mozambican descent, who stirred up some major drama. Adetshina was caught in the crossfire of a controversy over her eligibility to compete in the Miss South Africa pageant. The backlash, fueled by concerns about opportunities for South African-born candidates, reignited xenophobic sentiments.
After she pulled out of the Miss South Africa competition, Adetshina was invited to join the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, but things got even messier with questions about her Nigerian citizenship.
Meanwhile, the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, also known as the World Junior Championships, is in full swing in Lima, Peru, running from August 27 to 31. World Athletics dropped the news about Okon’s big win on X early Friday, and it’s the kind of story that’s got mixed reactions.
