Tomi Elemide, a 13-year-old from north Belfast, secured his fourth Irish dance world championship title last month in Schaumburg, Illinois. He earned the only perfect score of 900 points among boys at the event run by An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha.

Elemide trains up to six times a week at the Carson Academy in Dunmurry. His routine includes daily classes after school for five days and extra sessions of three or four hours on weekends, totaling around 14 hours weekly.

He began dancing at age six after watching a Riverdance video at school. His father, Boye Elemide from Nigeria, noted that Tomi showed immediate aptitude from his first class.

Boye Elemide described supporting his son's focus on dance as straightforward since Tomi prefers it over playing with peers. The family located a local class soon after Tomi expressed interest.

Tomi Elemide trains exclusively in dance, avoiding video games and other sports. Boye Elemide first saw another dancer of colour at competition level and expressed relief at the sight.

Tomi Elemide stated that dancers from any background can succeed and that he overcomes challenges related to his skin colour by focusing on his achievements and dedication.