Olympics: Nigeria’s Nathaniel Qualifies for Men’s 400m Semis
National Record holder, Ezekiel Nathaniel made it through to the semifinals of the men’s 400m hurdles in his maiden Olympic outing in Paris.
Nathaniel has been having a fantastic season, from bettering his National Record (NR) to qualifying for the Olympics and winning Bronze at the NCAA Championships.
The Nigerian had an impressive run from lane 3 to place 2nd in 48.38s, which is his fourth fastest time ever.
Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke won the race in 48.17s, and Wilfried Happio took the last automatic spot in 48.42s
Nathaniel is the first Nigerian athlete in 12 years to make the semifinals of the 400m Hurdles at the Olympics. The last Nigerian athlete to qualify for the semis of this event was Amaechi Morton at London 2012.
Before Morton, only the legendary Henry Amike made the semis, dating back to Los Angeles 1984 when he equally qualified for the final of the 400m Hurdles.
Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie failed to progress into the semi-finals of men’s 400m.
Okezie finished fifth in the second heat of the repechage round, clocking a time of 45.92s.
Making of Champions
