Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi delivered a historic performance at the SEC Indoor Championships, storming to victory in the men’s 400m with a blistering 44.72 seconds to claim his first conference title indoors in the NCAA.
The University of Alabama standout’s electrifying run not only secured gold but also shattered the African indoor record of 44.74 seconds set last year by fellow Nigerian Ezekiel Nathaniel. With the mark, Ogazi now stands as the 10th fastest man in history over 400m indoors.
Adding to the significance of the moment, Ogazi’s 44.72 also broke a 15-year-old University of Alabama school record previously held by program great and Olympic champion Kirani James. James, widely regarded as one of the legends of the event, had set the longstanding benchmark during his collegiate career in Tuscaloosa.
Exploding out of the blocks and maintaining relentless pace through the final bend, Ogazi powered down the home straight to stop the clock at 44.72, igniting celebrations as the magnitude of his achievement became clear.
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Arkansas’ Jordan Pierre, who won the other section in 45.06 seconds, finished second overall after a strong showing for the Razorbacks. Georgia freshman Jonathan Simms followed closely in 45.23 seconds to round out an impressive podium.
Ogazi’s record-breaking night not only delivered his first SEC indoor crown but also etched his name into Alabama history, further cementing his status as one of the brightest young stars in global sprinting.
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