WESDENE – Decland Wright shattered his second world athletics record barefoot in Durban at the King’s Park athletics stadium on 8 July.
The 10-year-old successfully broke the 5 000m record bid in the U10 and U11 categories by finishing in 00:17:06:93 shattering the previous record of 00:17:18:00.
Earlier this year, Decland promptly broke the U10 world record for the 1 000m track event by posting a time of 00:02:57:30 – This was a record that had never been broken in over 39 years.
The event, which was organised by KwaZulu-Natal Athletics (KZNA), was mainly to give Decland’s father, Donavan Wright a spirit boost as he continues to fight cancer.
“My father motivates me, I am truly inspired by his will to fight,” said the newly record holder Decland.
However, to help Decland break his record, Shadrack Hoff – who is SA’s 5 000m, 10km and 15km road champion – and Decland’s older brother Dougan were recruited as pace setters. ” I loved the pace, but after 4 000m it got harder but I had to push harder, and when I made 5000, I saw my dad smile” he recalls.
“I feel so good, it is nice breaking world records, and I would like to break more in the future.”
What inspires the 10-year-old to work harder? ” I am inspired by my dad and other ordinary athletes… my dad teaches me to work hard and to be independent because I don’t have a coach.”
“Anyone can break the world record,” he beams, “well, with hard work and the right set of mind.”
Decland’s mother Marita is very proud of his achievements, ” Decland sees the results of his hard work and he is inspiring so many people,” she said.
Decland will be partaking in the South African cross country in September and hopes to win gold.
