Rising Star: Emmanuel Ofori-Manteaw Breaks Club Record Twice in Two Weeks

Written by Armen Kanikanian

At just 12 years old, Emmanuel Ofori-Manteaw has already written his name into ESM history. Over the past fortnight, he has twice broken the club’s Under 13 Boys 100m record. First, he lowered it to 11.42 at the Stratford Speed meeting in Stratford on 17th August 2025, and then he smashed it again to 11.36 at the Be Fit Today Track Academy meeting held at Lee Valley on 30th August 2025. His new PB doesn’t just top the UK rankings for his age group, it also places him first on the all-time list. An extraordinary achievement for such a young athlete.

So how does a boy of 12 prepare for performances like this? Emmanuel keeps things simple but consistent: “I train three times a week,” he explains, carefully balancing school life with his athletics.

And how did it feel when the record finally fell? His response is as genuine as it is joyful: “I feel ecstatic and grateful to God for where I am now. I also thank my coach Trevor Matthews, my auntie Brittany and my family and friends that have given me continuous support.”

His parents recall when they first noticed his talent. “Emmanuel showed interest in athletics when he was in Year 5 at Oak Farm Primary School, but at the time he was torn between that and football. In Year 6 he decided to concentrate on running, and that was when we realised his potential, and he also realised he loves running more than playing football.”

As for who fuels his ambition on the track, Emmanuel looks to two sprinting greats for inspiration: “Christian Coleman and Asafa Powell,” he says with a smile.

With exceptional talent, determination, and a passion for sprinting, Emmanuel’s journey is only just beginning. Breaking national records at 12 years old is an impressive start, but it feels like the opening chapter of a much bigger story still to come.

Everyone at ESM is incredibly proud of Emmanuel’s achievements and we cannot wait to see what he does next.