Ezekiel Nathaniel continues to etch his name in the history books, shattering his own Nigerian 400m hurdles record yet again with a blistering time of 47.91s in the heats of the Big 12 Championships in Kansas on Thursday.
The 21-year-old became the first Nigerian in history to run the 400m hurdles in under 48 seconds, bettering his previous national record of 48.00s.
With this performance, he now cements his place as the 8th fastest African of all time and holds the fastest time by an African in the event since 2015.
Nathaniel’s performance checks off multiple milestones: a new national record, NCAA lead and personal best.
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Since breaking Henry Amike’s long-standing Nigerian record of 48.50s in 2022, Nathaniel has now lowered the national record five times in just three years.
The Baylor University athlete also has African record in the 400m indoors event in a time of 44.74s.
Other Nigerian athletes shine at NCAA conference championships
Olayinka Olajide booked her place in the women’s 200m final at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships, clocking 23.29s (0.9) to place second in her heat behind Kya Epps, who won in a personal best of 22.99s.
At the SEC Outdoor Championships, Tima Godbless impressed with a strong victory in her 200m heat, running 22.62s (+0.9) to finish well ahead of Sharmelle Holmes (22.95s). Faith Okwose, also in the race, placed sixth with 23.31s.
In another SEC 200m heat, Precious Nzeakor smashed the 23-second barrier for the first time under any condition, clocking 22.85s (+2.5) to finish third. The race was won by Kenondra Davis in 22.58s, ahead of Camryn Dickson (22.68s).
Meanwhile, Ramat Jimoh advanced to the final of the women’s 800m at the SEC Championships, finishing second in her semifinal with a time of 2:04.80. Michaela Rose won the race in 2:03.62. Jimoh’s time was just 0.20s off her personal best set last month.
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