Edo’s Olaniyi Victoria Ayomid announced herself as the woman to beat in the women’s 400m event, clocking a sensational personal best of 54.17 seconds to dominate Semifinal 3 at the ongoing national athletics championships.
The race was one of the most fiercely contested of the day, as Rivers’ Happy Rasheed chased hard with an impressive 54.49, and Lagos’ Miracle Uwem Donald stayed in the mix with 54.51, proving just how tight the margins are among Nigeria’s top quarter-milers.
Olaniyi’s performance not only stamped her authority heading into the final but also signaled a serious threat to established names in the field.
Her composure over the final 100 meters saw her pull away from Rasheed and Donald, both of whom refused to back down and ensured a thrilling finish.
“This is just the beginning,” Olaniyi said post-race, visibly elated with her new personal best. “I’ve worked hard for this moment, and now my focus is on delivering in the final.”
With such blistering times in the semis, expectations are sky-high for what promises to be a blockbuster final. All eyes will be on whether Olaniyi can replicate—or even better—her performance when the stakes are highest.
The women’s 400m final is shaping up to be one of the highlight events of the championship. One thing is clear: the fire has been lit, and the final will be pure electricity.
