Nigeria’s Nathaniel Ezekiel continued his remarkable rise in athletics by setting a new national record in the men’s 400m hurdles at the Silesia Diamond League on Saturday.
Ezekiel clocked an impressive 47.31 seconds, lowering his own Nigerian record for the fifth time this season. The 22-year-old finished second behind Olympic champion Karsten Warholm, who won the race in 46.28s — a world lead, Diamond League record, and meeting record.
Ezekiel’s performance now ranks as the fifth-fastest time in the world this year.
The former Baylor University standout has enjoyed a breakout season, remaining unbeaten in the American collegiate circuit earlier this year and winning the NCAA title in 47.49s, the third-fastest time in collegiate history.
He also made a strong Diamond League debut in Eugene, where he ran 47.88s to place third against world champions Alison Dos Santos and Rai Benjamin.
Meanwhile, world record holder Tobi Amusan continued her return to form in the women’s 100m hurdles, finishing third in Silesia with 12.25s. The race was won by American Masai Russell in 12.19s, with compatriot Tonea Marshall second in 12.24s.
In other events, Favour Ofili ran 22.25s to place third in the women’s 200m, while Chukwuebuka Enekwechi threw 21.56m to finish seventh in the men’s shot put.
With the Diamond League Final in Zurich set for August 27–28, Amusan currently sits second in the women’s 100m hurdles rankings, while Ezekiel and Enekwechi remain in contention for qualification in their respective events.
All three athletes are also expected to represent Nigeria at next month’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.