30/03/2026
BREAKING: Thiep Deng Shatters South Sudanese 100m National Record
​KAMPALA, UGANDA — In a stunning display of speed at the 2nd UAF National Trials, 17-year-old sprinting sensation Thiep Deng Malek has officially rewritten the history books.
​Deng clocked a blistering 10.51 seconds in the 100-meter dash yesterday at Namboole Stadium, effectively shattering the long-standing South Sudanese national record. The performance is even more remarkable considering it serves as his season opener, signaling a high-velocity year ahead for the young athlete.
​End of a Decade-Long Reign
​The previous record of 10.79 seconds was held by the legendary Mangar Chuot, set exactly ten years ago on March 24, 2016, in Perth, Australia. Chuot has long been the standard-bearer for South Sudanese sprinting, but Deng’s performance in Kampala has raised the bar by a significant 0.28 seconds.
​Rising Star on the Continental Stage
​Deng, who has been training Under AWEIL SPORT Academy and competing prominently in the Ugandan athletics circuit, is no stranger to fast times. Earlier this month, he recorded a personal best of 21.30 seconds in the 200m at the 1st National Trials, but this 100m breakthrough cements his status as the fastest man in South Sudan’s history.
​"To run 10.51 in the opening of the season is a testament to the work being put in. The goal is to keep pushing the limits of what South Sudanese sprinters can achieve on the world stage," noted observers at the trials.
​What’s Next?
​With the Olympic cycle and various continental championships on the horizon, Deng’s record-breaking run puts him in a prime position for international qualification. All eyes will now be on his next appearance to see if he can dip even further toward the sub-10.40 mark.
