Nigerian sprinter Joshua Caleb has burst onto the international scene with back-to-back record-breaking performances at the Nevada Silver & Blue Invitational.
The 17-year-old not only equaled the world-leading 60m time of 6.57 seconds but also shattered the African U-20 record of 6.58 seconds set by Ivorian legend Ibrahim Meité in 1994.
Caleb’s achievements didn’t stop there. Just a day later, he became the first athlete from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) to run sub-21 seconds in the 200m, writing his place in history.
From Okrika to the World Stage
Hailing from Okrika, Nigeria, Caleb’s journey to stardom has been meteoric since his arrival in the United States in January 2024.
A freshman at UAA, he has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in track and field.
During his debut year, Caleb set six school records, claimed three GNAC titles, and earned two All-American honors, earning him accolades as the GNAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year and the GNAC Male Freshman of the Year.
His 2024 highlights included a 100m time of 10.34 seconds, the third-fastest in GNAC outdoor history, and a pivotal role in UAA’s 4x100m relay team clocking 41.42 seconds, a GNAC all-time top-10 performance.
The Rise of a Champion
Caleb’s recent 60m triumph has catapulted him to the top of global rankings, drawing comparisons to elite sprinters.
His performance not only demonstrates his explosive potential but also positions him as a future force in African and world athletics.
With the 2025 track season underway, all eyes will be on Joshua Caleb as he continues to redefine what’s possible for a young sprinter from Nigeria.
