Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel came agonizingly close to claiming a historic medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships, after a dramatic finale involving American hurdler Rai Benjamin.
Benjamin initially crossed the line first in 46.54 seconds, narrowly ahead of Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, who clocked 46.84 seconds, while Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba took third in 47.05 seconds.
Nathaniel, competing in his first-ever global final, delivered a stunning performance of 47.11 seconds, setting a new Nigerian national record.
For a fleeting moment, it appeared Nathaniel would make history, as Benjamin was disqualified for a lane infringement.
Fans in Nigeria erupted with joy, believing their young star had secured the nation’s first-ever medal in the men’s 400m hurdles.
However, the jubilation was short-lived. Following an appeal by Team USA, Benjamin’s disqualification was overturned, restoring him as gold medalist and relegating Nathaniel to fourth place, just 0.06 seconds shy of the podium.
Despite the heartbreak, Nathaniel’s performance remains historic. He not only smashed his own national record but also became the first Nigerian to reach a World Championships final in the event since Henry Amike in 1987.
At just 21, Nathaniel has announced himself as a rising force in Nigerian athletics.
With talent, determination, and youth on his side, he is poised to challenge for medals on the world stage in the years ahead.
