He wants to be the next Usain Bolt and this Belhar teen just came one step closer to his dream when he was signed up by international brand Puma this week.
Youth Olympic 100m champion Luke Davids is the latest sprinting sensation to join Puma South Africa’s family of elite track athletes.
The 17-year-old Parow High School pupil, who trains at the University of the Western Cape, said he chose to work with Puma because of the brand’s history with Bolt.
“The greatest sprinter of all time was with Puma, so I want to be that replacement one day,” the excited teen says.
It’s no surprise why Puma wants him - Luke is the Youth Olympic 100m champion, the All African Youth Games 100m champion and 200m silver medallist, the Confederation of African Athletics Southern Region 200m champion and 100m silver medallist and South African Youth champion in the 100m and 200m.
Initially dabbling in rugby, Luke discovered his running talent in primary school. “I knew I had speed, but didn’t know my full potential until I started proper training and competing,” he says.
Luke Davids from Parow High School, Business as Usual !!! 100m Boys u/17 Northern Zones #CJSportsMedia #SchoolsAthletics #ASA pic.twitter.com/JeGbYES5TE
— CJ SportsMedia (@CJSportsMedia) February 25, 2018
“When I got a medal at the junior championships and was chosen to represent my country, I realised I can compete with the best on the continent.”
Luke’s best for the 100m is 10.31s, and 20.81s in the 200m.
Puma marketing director Brett Bellinger says they are excited about Luke’s future. “South Africa is producing a wealth of sprinting talent and we believe that Luke has an exceptional future ahead of him.”
SPEED KING: Lightning fast Luke Davids, 17
Luke’s goal for 2019 is to win titles at the National Youth and Junior Championships and to qualify for the National Senior Championships.
He’s keeping his eye on the big one, though - the 2024 Olympics. “2024 is when I want to go and win a gold medal,” says Luke.
The teen, who says chips and chocolates are his weakness, has words of wisdom for aspiring athletes: “Be humble and trust the process. It’s going to be a long and hard journey but it will be worth it. Remember, pain is temporary but success lasts a lifetime.”