Bronson Hearn-Smith takes social media by storm with his unique "floating" running style |
While the world of athletics is witnessing the rise of young talents like Divine Iheme or Gout Gout, in England, a 15-year-old name suddenly rose to fame and caused a storm on social networks: Bronson Hearn-Smith. With a slim figure, a scholarly face and glasses that make him look more like a student in a biology class than an athlete, Hearn-Smith surprised everyone when he showed off his speed and unique "floating" running style.
Social media phenomenon
Last July, at the Colchester Schools Athletics Championships, Hearn-Smith appeared in lane four in a striking yellow jersey. Video footage of his performance showed him floating down the track, with long strides, a graceful rhythm, and a face that almost betrayed no effort.
Time: 10.68 seconds for 100m. Onlookers couldn’t believe their eyes. “He looked like he wasn’t even trying, but he still won easily,” one spectator commented.
In just a few days, the video has reached more than 3.4 million views on Instagram, 1.5 million on TikTok and spread across platforms. From an ordinary teenager, Hearn-Smith suddenly became a social media phenomenon, attracting not only fans but also professionals and fellow athletes.
Standing at 1.88m tall, Hearn-Smith has an impressive physique for short distances. At the age of 15, he has already made his mark with a 100m time of 10.65 seconds and a 200m time of 21.40 seconds – numbers that have impressed many seniors. “I only realised I was really good last year, when I ran 100m in 10.9 seconds and came second in the country for my age group,” Hearn-Smith said.
What is special is that his running style is completely different from previous legends. Michael Johnson was famous for his upright running posture and short steps, while Usain Bolt stunned with his long, powerful strides. Hearn-Smith "floats" as if he is walking, but still reaches maximum speed.
“A lot of people say I don’t look like I’m running, but I’m actually putting a lot of force into the ground. It looks easy, but it’s very intense,” he explained.
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Hearn-Smith has only been training in athletics for about four years, since the age of 11. |
It’s hard to believe that Hearn-Smith has only been training for about four years, since he was 11. It was initially amateur training. His father, David, even went on ChatGPT to ask how to help his son run faster.
It was only when he found coach Stephen Garnham – who had coached Olympic bronze medalist Charlie Dobson – that Hearn-Smith’s talent was properly honed. Garnham initially reduced his coaching workload, but once he saw the Colchester boy’s special qualities, he immediately changed his mind and returned to the training ground more often to accompany his new student.
“We are grateful to Steve for everything. He is a world-class coach. Most athletics coaches work for free, just for the passion. Bronson is lucky to have this guidance,” his father said.
Keep your feet on the ground
Despite his rapid rise to fame, Hearn-Smith appears calm beyond his years. “I just focus on training, like nothing has happened. I want to keep my feet on the ground,” he asserted.
However, the attraction from social networks has turned him into a “star” at Colchester Harriers Club. Many athletes come to practice with him, even player Demetri Mitchell (Leyton Orient) openly challenged him to a speed race.
But Hearn-Smith is not caught up in the virtual spotlight. Instead of focusing on his rivals, he focuses on improving himself. Even with Divine Iheme – a talented peer who set the U14 world record of 10.3 seconds – Hearn-Smith insists: “We are good friends. I don’t see it as a serious competition.”
With British athletics struggling financially and only getting attention at the Olympics or world championships, the Hearn-Smith family sees social media as key. His father manages the accounts with his son and girlfriend, turning them into a channel to promote their image, seek professional support, nutrition and equipment.
“If you have a child pursuing athletics, the best way is to push social media to get their name out there,” David shares.
Hearn-Smith himself agrees: “Athletics content creators are helping to bring the sport closer to the public. I want more people to get involved, to give running the attention it deserves.”
While his U20 seniors like Gout Gout are slowly making their way onto the big stage, Hearn-Smith still has a long way to go. But with his achievements, unique style and social media influence, the 15-year-old from Colchester could well be the new face of world athletics.
From a TikTok video, Hearn-Smith has emerged. And if he maintains his humility and ambition, he could be not just an internet sensation, but the future of British speedway.
Source: https://znews.vn/hien-tuong-15-tuoi-luot-100-m-gay-bao-post1589836.html
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