Cape Town local, Luke Davids, (17) brings home the gold medal today after winning the 100m sprint at the South African Youth Olympics, with a near new Under-18 world record.
The new comer to the Olympic field, hails from Belhar on the Cape Flats and attends Parrow High School.
He proved his worth in the recent Youth Olympics held in Buenos Aires on Monday night by clocking 10.15 seconds to win himself the gold.
This exceptional time is equal to that of the Under-18 world record set by American, Anthony Schwartz, in March last year, but was considered unofficial due to wind readings being beyond the legal limit of 2.0m/s.
Unfortunately this means Davids won’t be able to claim the SA record of 10.20 seconds originally set by Gift Leotlela, but he is still the first and youngest SA athlete to win the Youth Olympics 100m title and take home gold.
“The feeling of being the fastest young man in the world and being number one is amazing,” Davids said on Tuesday.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment for months now. The spectators were incredible. The support they give you on the track, in the warm-up and at all times is sensational.”
Davids’ personal best remains 10.31m/s, achieved earlier this year in Paarl, but locals are expecting a new record soon.
Although many compare the young athlete to renowned runner, Usain Bolt, Davids says he will carve his own way and does not want to be compared.
Pictures: Facebook