A teen sprinter who trains in Middlesbrough has sent shockwaves through the athletics world by becoming England under-17 champion over 60m.

Celine Obinna-Alo stormed to victory at the England Athletics Open U15/U17/U20 Indoor Championships at English Institute of Sport Sheffield on Saturday. Having clocked 7.46 seconds in both her heat and semi, the teen powered away in the final to finish in 7.38 seconds, a championship record and just 0.03 seconds outside Asha Philip’s British under-17 record.

At the age of 14, only Olympic 400m bronze medallist Katharine Merry has run quicker (7.35 seconds), placing Gateshead Harriers athlete Celine in an exclusive club. The youngster, from Houghton-le-Spring, said: “I’m really pleased and I’m so grateful to my friends, family, coaches, manager and everyone in my team who has supported me.”

Her coach Richard Kilty, from Stockton, winner of sprint relay bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, took part in the medal ceremony. Presenting her with the gold medal, Richard said: “Well done champ, all of that hard work, I’m so proud of you – amazing.”

Celine trains at Middlesbrough Sports Village, which is run by Everyone Active in partnership with Middlesbrough Council. She is part of Everyone Active’s Sporting Champions scheme, which empowers aspiring athletes to achieve their full potential through access to state-of-the-art training facilities and mentoring support from Olympians and Paralympians.

These facilities include Middlesbrough Sports Village, Rainbow Leisure Centre and Neptune Centre, as well as 240 other sites across the country. Richard is an Elite athlete on the scheme, meaning he works alongside other established athletes – such as Maisie Summers-Newton and Lauren Steadman – to offer advice to up- and-coming hopefuls in mentoring sessions throughout the year.

Last summer, the initiative supported 26 Sporting Champions who competed in the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, achieving nine gold, six silver and eight bronze medals. Olympic silver medallist and former world record holder Colin Jackson is the scheme’s Ambassador. You can apply for the 2025-26 Sporting Champions scheme here.

Jamaican sprinter Janeek Brown shared three key reasons behind her split from Sha’Carri Richardson.

Three years ago, Jamaican sprinter Janeek Brown opened up about the turbulent relationship she once shared with American track star Sha’Carri Richardson.

The former NCAA champion, who found her stride in the 100m hurdles, revealed that their relationship, which began during the pandemic, was riddled with issues that made it unsustainable.

After two years together, Brown made the decision to walk away, citing three major reasons for their separation.

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1. A toxic and abusive dynamic

One of the biggest factors leading to the end of their relationship was its toxic nature. Brown acknowledged that both she and Richardson were involved in a cycle of mental, verbal, and physical abuse.

Quincy Wilson: The 17-year-old track star and his love story with Masai Russell’s sister

Quincy Wilson: The 17-year-old track star and his love story with Masai Russell’s sister

What may have started as a passionate romance quickly turned into a destructive relationship, with neither party able to break free from the pattern of negativity.

Their young age and lack of experience in handling relationships contributed to the intensity of their conflicts.

Brown admitted that their arguments often escalated beyond control, making it clear that the relationship was unhealthy.

Over time, the strain of constant turmoil became unbearable, prompting Brown to prioritize her well-being and step away.

2. Personal growth and self-discovery

For Brown, the relationship with Richardson was a pivotal moment in her journey of self-discovery.

How Noah Lyles took away the title of ‘sprint king’ from legendary Usain Bolt

How Noah Lyles took away the title of ‘sprint king’ from legendary Usain Bolt

Before dating the American sprinter, she had struggled with openly embracing her identity. It was during this period that she found the confidence to come out and live her truth.

However, while she grew in one aspect of her life, she also recognized that the relationship was holding her back from evolving further.

Walking away from a toxic dynamic allowed her to refocus on herself, both personally and professionally. The experience served as a valuable lesson, teaching her about the importance of self-respect and the necessity of surrounding herself with positive influences.

Instead of remaining in a space that drained her energy, Brown chose to move forward, seeking healthier relationships and greater personal fulfillment.

3. Sha’Carri Richardson’s public accusations

Another major breaking point in their relationship was the public fallout that followed their split. Richardson, who revealed their past relationship on social media, made allegations against Brown, including claims of theft.

‘It’s really hard’ – Keely Hodgkinson opens up on the struggles of staying on top after Olympics triumph

‘It’s really hard’ – Keely Hodgkinson opens up on the struggles of staying on top after Olympics triumph

Brown, however, denied these accusations, labeling them as false and malicious. She believed that Richardson’s actions were calculated attempts to damage her reputation and create unnecessary controversy.

The public exposure of their private issues only solidified Brown’s decision to part ways for good. Rather than engage in the drama, she chose to speak her truth and distance herself from the negativity.

Junelle Bromfield and Noah Lyles at a red carpet event.

Noah Lyles has shared how he ensures that he does not annoy fiancee Janelle Bromfield.

Olympic champion Noah Lyles has opened up about how he manages to stay out of trouble with his fiancée, Jamaican athlete Junelle Bromfield.

The couple, who got engaged in October 2024, have since moved in together and are building their home while planning for a 2026 wedding.

Lyles, known for his dominance on the track, is also learning the ropes of maintaining harmony at home.

‘Nojo18 want to give me this?’ Junelle Bromfield drops bombshell in wedding dress hunt

‘Nojo18 want to give me this?’ Junelle Bromfield drops bombshell in wedding dress hunt

In a recent episode of the Beyond the Record podcast, he shared insights into his daily routine and how he ensures he stays on Bromfield’s good side.

“My days usually start with practice, followed by track and gym. After that, I head home unless I have a massage or something similar. I’ll grab something to eat, and then my day is packed with meetings,” Lyles said.

The sprinter reminisced about how his routine has changed over the years.

‘Can I have it?’- Junelle Bromfield poses playful question to Noah Lyles as wedding excitement grows

‘Can I have it?’- Junelle Bromfield poses playful question to Noah Lyles as wedding excitement grows

“It’s not how it used to be when I was younger—I used to just play video games with the boys, have game nights, go out to eat, do karaoke, visit places like Disney and Universal, and find fun activities,” he said.

However, these days, Lyles’ schedule is packed with professional commitments that can sometimes get him on Bromfield’s bad side.

“Now, my meetings are still about exciting things, though. I’ll have a call with Jack, my YouTube guy, to plan the next project or a promo for an upcoming track meet. Then, I might get a call from my agent about a shoot for GQ and Vogue, and of course, I have to check with my fiancée first so I don’t get in trouble!” he shared with a chuckle.

Drama on the track! Sha’Carri Richardson & Christian Coleman fire back at iShowSpeed over Noah Lyles controversy

Drama on the track! Sha’Carri Richardson & Christian Coleman fire back at iShowSpeed over Noah Lyles controversy

Lyles also revealed that his schedule can get overwhelming, stating, “There are times when I’m on the move for weeks—going from a track meet to the Super Bowl, then straight to New York before finally making it home, only to have more things lined up. ”

“It’s a packed schedule, but it’s fun, and this is exactly what I prayed for.”

Despite their busy lives, Lyles and Bromfield often make headlines with their impeccable fashion sense.

‘I’m not ducking’- Sha’Carri Richardson issues ultimatum for showdown with IShowSpeed after he raced Noah Lyles

‘I’m not ducking’- Sha’Carri Richardson issues ultimatum for showdown with IShowSpeed after he raced Noah Lyles

One memorable moment was at the 2024 GQ Men of the Year event, where the couple turned heads in cowboy-themed outfits, thrilling fans with their bold and stylish choices.

With their wedding on the horizon and their careers soaring, Lyles and Bromfield continue to capture the hearts of their fans, proving that love and success can go hand in hand.

Usain Bolt calls Noah Lyles’ fastest man claim desperate Image source: Imago

Usain Bolt has rejected Noah Lyles’ claim that he is the world’s fastest man, insisting the American must break his records to earn the title.

Double world record holder Usain Bolt has scoffed at Noah Lyles’ decision to brand himself the world’s fastest man.

After winning the Olympic 100m title, Noah Lyles labelled himself the tag, something that Usain Bolt believes he has yet to earn since he has not broken his 100m and 200m records and is not even close to them.

Usain Bolt’s 100m world record stands at 9.58 seconds while his 200m record is 19.19 seconds and he is regarded as the fastest man alive. He set the records at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany.

How Noah Lyles took away the title of ‘sprint king’ from legendary Usain Bolt

Noah Lyles has a personal best time of 9.79 seconds in the 100m, a time he set at the Paris Olympic Games. His 200m personal best time is 19.31 seconds set at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Usain Bolt noted that if Noah Lyles wants to be called the fastest man in the world, he has to let his times speak for him and for now, he is yet to attain that standard.

“I find it funny…when I heard about it for the first time, I wondered if I would lose my mind. That’s desperate of him…that’s the first thing I thought,” Usain Bolt said in his interview with The Fix podcast.

“I was like, come on man, if you want it then earn it man, earn it, earn it. You are the fastest man today. This year. Something I just laugh it off, just laugh. That’s desperation. Simply, break the records.”

The fastest man in the world tag has been highly debatable with some sports fans and analysts arguing that winning the Olympic title in the 100m guarantees that.

Others have argued that the athlete, who finishes the season with the fastest time, is considered the fastest in that season until another sprinter runs faster than them.

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At the Paris Olympic Games, Noah Lyles clocked an impressive 9.79 seconds to cross the finish line first ahead of Kishane Thompson who came second milliseconds later. Fred Kerley rounded up the podium in 9.81 seconds.

Kishane Thompson ended the season with the fastest time in the world, the 9.77 seconds he clocked at the Jamaican Olympic trials.

However, one thing is evident, Usain Bolt who has the world record in the 100m remains, the fastest. From the interview, he insisted that Noah Lyles has to break his records first to be addressed with such high honours.