In a blazing performance at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships, Nathaniel Ezekiel narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth in the men’s 400m hurdles with a new Nigerian Record of 47.11 seconds.
Former national record holder Henry Amike, who saw his own record eclipsed, was quick to commend the rising hurdler.
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Amike described Ezekiel’s run as one for the history books. “He pushed himself beyond what many thought possible. That time is not just fast—it is emblematic of ambition, of constant pursuit of improvement.”
Ezekiel himself reflected on the race, noting that while it stung to finish just outside the medals, setting a national record was a vindication: “I wanted to stand on the podium, but I also wanted to show that Nigerian hurdles can contest among the world’s best. Every second counts.”
He said this season’s progression—in training, consistency, mental preparation—laid the foundation. The result, he said, gives confidence heading into future competitions.
