Former Nigeria National 200m champion, Divine Oduduru has emerged champion in the 200m Texas Tech Track & Field Red Raider Invitational on Friday. Red Raider track & field program hosted its second meet of the season, the Red Raider Invitational, bringing in two new school records, a new NCAA All-Time record and 22 personal-best performances.
To wipe away a 20-year old school record, Oduduru ran a blazing-fast 200-meter dash time of 20.49 for first place overall. Oduduru not only tops the national list, but sits as the current world leader. This 20.49 race beat out the current record held by Josephus Howard at the Rocky Mountain Cup in January of 1998.
Dedric Dukes finished second in 20.89s with Kyle Collins third in 21.13s. Another Nigerian athlete Omeiza Akerele finished fourth with a time of 21.89s.
The Delta-born sprinter who is studying at the Texas Tech college, missed majority of 2017 with an injury and has gradually returned to top form.
Oduduru ran a personal best of 20.34s finishing closely behind Bolt who ran a time of 20.28s in the Men’s 200m Heat in Rio 2016 to qualify for the semi-finals.