Ezekiel Nathaniel’s qualification for the men’s 400m hurdles final at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo signifies the culmination of years of dedicated training and unwavering commitment. At 22, Nathaniel etched his name into Nigerian sporting history, becoming the first male athlete since Henry Amike in 1987 to reach the world championship finals in this grueling event. His semi-final victory, achieved with a blistering time of 47.47 seconds, the fastest across all three heats, underscored his exceptional form and placed him within striking distance of his national record of 47.31 seconds set just a month prior. This achievement marks a monumental step in Nathaniel’s career, validating his hard work and the unwavering support of his team.
Nathaniel’s journey to the Tokyo final has been characterized by consistent performance throughout the year. His focus has remained unwavering, emphasizing execution and maintaining the momentum he has diligently built. Winning both his preliminary and semi-final races in Tokyo reflects this unwavering commitment to his training regimen and his ability to deliver under pressure. This steady progression has instilled in him a sense of readiness and confidence as he prepares to face some of the most formidable athletes in the world. He acknowledges the significance of reaching the world finals, a goal he has relentlessly pursued, and expresses pride in his personal growth, acknowledging the pivotal role of his coach and the collective effort that has propelled him to this stage.
The upcoming final presents a daunting challenge for Nathaniel as he prepares to compete against the “Big Three” of 400m hurdles: Karsten Warholm (Norway), Rai Benjamin (USA), and Alison dos Santos (Brazil). These athletes represent the pinnacle of the sport, each having previously broken the long-standing world record. While Nathaniel currently ranks fifth globally, he approaches the final with a measured confidence, acknowledging the possibility of joining this elite group. He remains focused on executing his race strategy and maximizing his potential, hinting at the prospect of being the next athlete to shatter records. The final promises a fierce battle of speed and technique.
The final lineup is a confluence of talent and experience, making it one of the most anticipated events of the championship. Nathaniel will run in lane six, positioned between Benjamin and Abderrahman Samba (Qatar), the 2019 world bronze medalist who has demonstrated impressive form in Tokyo. The field also includes Germany’s Emil Agyekum and American Caleb Dean, both fresh off personal best performances, as well as Qatar’s Ismail Doudai Abakar, who pushed Nathaniel hard in the semi-finals. Warholm, the reigning world record holder with a time of 45.94 seconds, clocked an impressive 46.28 seconds earlier in the season, making him the favorite. However, Benjamin and dos Santos, with respective times of 46.54 and 46.65 seconds, pose significant threats, emphasizing the intense competition Nathaniel faces.
Despite the formidable competition, Nathaniel views his presence in the final as a significant accomplishment. He carries the weight of representing his family and his country with a sense of pride and gratitude. He acknowledges the privilege and responsibility that comes with competing on the world stage, attributing his success to his unwavering faith, hard work, and determination. This perspective underscores his humility and deep appreciation for the opportunity to compete among the best in the world. He also highlights his respect and camaraderie with fellow competitor Abakar, emphasizing the positive relationships forged through shared experiences in competition.
The men’s 400m hurdles final is set to be a thrilling race, with Nathaniel vying to secure Nigeria’s first-ever medal in the event. This ambition follows Tobi Amusan’s silver medal win in the women’s 100m hurdles, adding to the anticipation and national pride surrounding Nathaniel’s performance. The final, scheduled for Friday, will test Nathaniel’s mettle against the world’s best, offering him the chance to cap off years of dedication with a historic achievement. The world will be watching as he strives to etch his name in the annals of Nigerian sporting history.
