Nigeria’s Ronke Akanbi etched her name in the history books after setting a new national record in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the prestigious Znamensky Brothers Memorial in Russia.
Despite finishing 5th in a highly competitive field, Akanbi delivered a standout performance, clocking 10:17.01 to smash the previous national record. The performance also marked a significant personal milestone for the athlete, who shaved over five seconds off her personal best (PB), underlining her rapid improvement and growing stature on the international stage.
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The Znamensky Brothers Memorial, known for attracting elite track talent from across Europe and beyond, proved to be the perfect platform for Akanbi to showcase her potential. Her record-setting run not only demonstrates her consistency but also signals Nigeria’s growing depth in the distance events, traditionally dominated by East African nations.
Akanbi’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational. She came agonizingly close to breaking the national 1500m record at the National Sports Festival, further highlighting her versatility and upward trajectory in middle-distance and long-distance events.
This latest achievement cements her status as one of Nigeria’s most promising endurance athletes. With the 2025 World Athletics Championships and other key international meets on the horizon, Ronke Akanbi is undoubtedly a name to watch.
