WATCH: Decland: 5-time world-record breaker at 12
MONTGOMERY PARK – A multi world-record breaker at only 12-years-old.
Decland Wright of Montgomery Park, who is a Grade 8 pupil at Roosevelt Park High School, has broken five world records at the tender age of 12.
His latest success was on 30 January 2015 when he broke the U11 boys’ 600m world record in 00:01:31:97.
Decland started running when he was eight years old. At the age of 10, his father and coach, Donovan Wright decided it was time to start training his son. Originally from Cape Town, Decland said, “Racing for me is not just about winning or racing, it is about the hard work paying off.”
In his short time on the professional track, Decland has smashed world records in his age groups.
He first broke the 1 000m world record in 00:02:57:30 for U9 boys on 26 April 2014 which was previously set in 1975. His next two achievements came on 8 July 2014 where in one day, he broke two world records – the 5 000m U10 boys’ in 00:17:06:93 previously set in 1983 and the 5 000m U11 boys’ record in 00:17:06:93.
The racing genes run deep in his blood with his father, Donovan, being a double-gold medalist winner in the Comrades and Two Oceans Marathon. He jokingly said, “My son trains harder than I ever did when I was younger.” He explained how it makes a parent extremely proud of their son’s achievements in such a short time.
Decland broke his next record with 00:03:31:95 on 22 November 2014 for the 1 200m world record. Decland’s dream for the future is to go the Olympics and World Youth Olympics. “I want to be the best.”
His says his biggest challenge at the moment is the 300m world record. “I’ve tried so many times and I am struggling with the sit starting technique but I think I have it right now.” Decland chose Roosevelt High because they encourage him to grow personally before he represents the school.
Decland attempts to break the 300m world record:
It has been a difficult two years for Decland, said his father Donovan, “He has had to train hard and still compete while I’ve battled with cancer for two years.”
Among his competition in world record races, he runs with the Brotherhood group and in the South African Club and Schools Competitions.
Decland’s idol is the international British long-distance runner Mohamed Mo Farah.
Details: Roosevelt High School, 011 782 4937.
