Welcome to Rising Star Watch, our Friday feature spotlighting exceptional athletes under 18 from the Greater Toronto Area who are making significant strides in their sports. This week, we highlight a young athlete whose recent performances have positioned her as a rising star on the national stage.
🏃♀️ Oriakhi’s Ascent in Triple Jump
TORONTO – At just 16 years old, Divine Oriakhi has emerged as Canada’s top U18 triple jumper. Representing the Flying Angels Track & Field Academy and James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, Oriakhi achieved a personal-best jump of 12.51 meters at the 2025 New Balance Nationals Indoor Championships in Boston, ranking her first among Canadians and fourth among 52 high school competitors.
Her impressive performance earned her All-American honors, a testament to her dedication and skill. Just a week prior, she secured second place at the AAU Indoor National Championship in Virginia Beach with a jump of 12.37 meters, competing in the 17-18-year-old girls’ category.
Oriakhi’s journey in athletics began after transitioning from basketball, and she quickly found her stride in triple jump. Her coach, Nick Vescio, believes she has the potential to become one of the best in the world in her age group, aiming for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.
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