Ezekiel Nathaniel, a rising star in the world of track and field, has etched his name into Nigerian sporting history with a series of remarkable performances in the 400-meter hurdles. His journey, marked by consistent improvement and record-breaking runs, culminated in a breathtaking performance at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, where he narrowly missed a podium finish but solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. Nathaniel’s fourth-place finish, achieved with a national record time of 47.11 seconds, underscores his rapid ascent in the sport and signals a promising future for Nigerian athletics.
Nathaniel’s path to international recognition began in his collegiate years at Baylor University in Texas. In 2022, as a freshman, he made an immediate impact by shattering a decades-old Nigerian record in the 400-meter hurdles, a record previously held by Henry Amike since 1987. This initial breakthrough, clocking in at 48.42 seconds at the Big 12 Conference meet in Lubbock, Texas, served as a testament to his raw talent and potential. It marked the beginning of an upward trajectory that would see him consistently push boundaries and redefine expectations for Nigerian hurdlers.
The following years witnessed a remarkable acceleration in Nathaniel’s progress. He continued to chip away at his personal best and the national record, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to improvement. In 2025, he achieved a significant milestone by winning the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with a time of 47.49 seconds. This victory not only solidified his dominance at the collegiate level but also placed him among the elite hurdlers in the world. His time was the third fastest in NCAA history, a testament to his rapidly evolving skill and competitive spirit.
Further solidifying his status as a rising star, Nathaniel achieved another historic feat during the 2025 NCAA semifinals. He became the first man in NCAA history to run a sub-48-second time in the 400-meter hurdles semifinal, clocking an impressive 47.86 seconds. This achievement underscored his exceptional speed and technical proficiency, setting the stage for his remarkable performance at the World Championships later that year.
The 2025 Tokyo World Championships served as the ultimate test for Nathaniel, pitting him against the world’s best hurdlers. He rose to the occasion, delivering a performance that captivated audiences and cemented his place in Nigerian sporting history. His time of 47.11 seconds not only broke his own national record but also briefly placed him in bronze medal position following the initial disqualification of American athlete Rai Benjamin for a lane infringement. Although Benjamin was later reinstated and awarded the gold medal, Nathaniel’s performance remained a source of immense pride for Nigeria and a testament to his unwavering dedication.
Despite finishing just off the podium, Ezekiel Nathaniel’s performance at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships represented a watershed moment for Nigerian athletics. His record-breaking run, combined with his consistent improvement and unwavering determination, signals a bright future for the sport in Nigeria. At just 22 years old, Nathaniel has already achieved remarkable success, and his journey has only just begun. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a symbol of the growing potential of Nigerian track and field on the global stage. His continued dedication to his craft promises even greater achievements in the years to come, further solidifying his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most promising athletic talents.
