Ezekiel Nathaniel sets new 400mH record in Tokyo
Aged 21, Nigerian hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel is already shaping up to be a leading figure in global athletics.
Record-breaking run in Tokyo
Nathaniel delivered a remarkable performance in Tokyo’s men’s 400m hurdles final, finishing fourth with a national record of 47.11 seconds. The achievement marked the first time a Nigerian man reached this final since Henry Amike in the 1980s.
He maintained composure and speed throughout the race, staying with the leading pack and demonstrating exceptional technique over the hurdles. Though just shy of the podium, his fourth-place finish was historic for Nigeria.
His performance also places him among the top five African hurdlers of all time and within the global top five for 2025, highlighting his rapid ascent in international rankings.
Competing with the world’s best
The final was fiercely contested, with Rai Benjamin of the United States claiming gold in 46.52 seconds, Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos taking silver in 46.84 seconds, and Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba earning bronze in 47.06 seconds.
Nathaniel crossed the line only 0.05 seconds behind the bronze medalist, proving that he can challenge the world’s elite even at a young age. Analysts have noted his aggressive yet controlled approach as key to his success.
His performance has set a benchmark for Nigerian hurdlers, raising expectations for future international competitions.
A season of growth and consistency
2025 has been a breakthrough year for Nathaniel. He won the NCAA Outdoor 400m hurdles title, earned a place in the NCAA Top 10 All-Time list, and featured prominently on the Diamond League circuit with multiple top-three finishes.
These results underscore his consistency and competitiveness on the global stage, demonstrating that his Tokyo performance is not a one-off achievement.
Nathaniel’s season confirms that Nigeria has a world-class hurdler capable of competing at the highest levels, with many years ahead to secure medals and break records.
