Ezekiel Nathaniel stirred national pride when he broke the long-standing Nigerian record in the men’s 400m hurdles and secured a place in the final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. He clocked 47.11 seconds, setting a new record for Nigeria. Even though he narrowly missed a medal, finishing fifth, he declared that his performance would motivate young Nigerian athletes to aim higher.
Breaking the Jinx and Setting Records
Nathaniel became the first male Nigerian to reach the final of the 400m hurdles at the World Championships since 1987. He achieved this by running 47.47 seconds in the second semifinal, edging out opponents from Qatar and the United States. That semifinal performance enabled him to rewrite history for Nigeria in hurdles.
He then delivered his best in the final with 47.11 seconds. Although that time did not bring a medal, it broke the national record. He joins Nigeria’s athletics legends, and many believe he has more to offer in upcoming competitions.
What He Said and the Message to Youth
After his performance, Nathaniel expressed strong hope that his result will spark inspiration among young Nigerians. He emphasized that seeing someone from their soil compete among the world’s best and set records gives aspiring athletes tangible proof that they can too. He said this feat offers them an opportunity to learn and to believe that athletic excellence lies within reach.
He also reflected on how racing in such high-stakes finals tightens resolve and teaches valuable lessons. Even though he did not medal, he argued that reaching the final and breaking the national record matter just as much. Young athletes may see that persistence plus training can lead to breakthroughs.
Implications for Nigerian Athletics
Nathaniel’s performance arrives at a time when Nigerian track and field seeks rising stars to rekindle global competitiveness. His achievements may push federations, coaches, and schools to invest more in facilities, coaching, and support for youth programs. Schools and local athletic clubs could point to Nathaniel’s story as proof that infrastructure and dedication deliver results.
Moreover, young athletes often look for role models. Nathaniel now assumes that role. His journey from breaking older records, participating in NCAA and other international meets, to reaching the World Championships final shows progression. It highlights that stepping stones matter, and consistent work pays off.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Nathaniel’s showing at the 2025 World Athletics Championships marks more than a personal milestone. He broke a decades-old record, made the final, and most importantly, demonstrated to young Nigerians that with discipline, vision, and effort, they can compete globally. While medal colors eluded him this time, his impact may extend far beyond the track. His story now belongs to every aspiring athlete in Nigeria who hopes to follow in his footsteps.
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