Sixteen-year-old Nigerian-born athlete Jared Ejiasian has etched his name into global athletics history after setting a new world record in the under-18 men’s 60 metres hurdles, delivering a stunning performance at the French U18 and U20 Indoor Championships in Val-de-Reuil.
Gatekeepers News reports that competing at Stade Couvert Jesse Owens on Saturday, the French-Nigerian sprinter stormed to victory in the final, stopping the clock at 7.43 seconds. The remarkable time erased the previous world record of 7.48 seconds, which had stood for seven years after being set by France’s Sasha Zhoya in 2019.
Ejiasian displayed exceptional speed and control, breaking away from the rest of the field after the second hurdle and maintaining a powerful rhythm through to the finish line. His explosive acceleration and clean hurdle technique left competitors trailing as he sealed his second major win of the indoor season.
The teenager had earlier shown signs of his rising form in January when he dominated the same event at the Tempo Run League indoor meet, where he recorded 7.57 seconds to establish a new African under-18 record. His latest feat not only confirms his rapid progress but also positions him as one of the brightest young talents in global track and field.
Representing AC Nord Val d’Oise in league competitions, Ejiasian has consistently delivered standout performances across youth categories. In 2024, he shattered four French school records in the under-14 division, breaking the 200 metres hurdles record three times and also setting a new benchmark in the 4×60 metres mixed relay.
Born in Nigeria, Ejiasian relocated to France at just three months old, where his athletic potential was discovered and nurtured. Although he currently competes under Nigerian heritage, reports indicate that he has begun the process of naturalisation to become a French citizen, which could see him represent France officially in future international competitions.
