The Digest:
Nigerian hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel shattered the national record in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 47.11 seconds to place fourth in a dramatic World Athletics Championships final in Tokyo. His performance marked Nigeria’s first appearance in the event final since 1987.
Key Points
- Nathaniel broke his own national record (previously 47.10s) with a 47.11-second finish.
- He missed the podium by 0.05 seconds, with Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba taking bronze.
- The race was won by Rai Benjamin (USA, 46.52s), followed by Alison dos Santos (Brazil, 46.84s).
- Nathaniel became the first Nigerian man to reach the final since Henry Amike in 1987.
- He displayed sportsmanship by supporting the overturn of Benjamin’s initial disqualification.
- His performance signals Nigeria’s reemergence as a contender in global hurdling.
- Dutch star Femke Bol won the women’s 400m hurdles in a world-leading 51.54 seconds.
Sources: Premium Times
