Nigerian teenager Samuel Ogazi secures Olympic spot with record-breaking run
In a dazzling display of raw talent and sheer determination, 17-year-old Samuel Ogazi has stamped his mark on the track and field world by clocking the second-fastest time ever recorded by a Nigerian 400m runner.
His remarkable performance not only earned him a silver medal but also secured his spot in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
Ogazi’s electrifying run came at the South Eastern Conference (SEC) Championships, where he blazed to a blistering Personal Best (PB) of 44.58 seconds. This feat places him just behind the legendary Innocent Egbunike in the annals of Nigerian athletics history, with Egbunike’s record standing at 44.17 seconds.
In addition to his national accolades, Ogazi’s time also set a new National U20 record, School Record, and ranks as the sixth-fastest time in world U20 history.
His achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics, as he becomes the first Nigerian runner since Orukpe Erayokan in 2016 to automatically qualify for the Olympic Games in the men’s 400m event.
With the NCAA championships and the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Ogazi’s sights are set on further lowering his record-breaking time. His remarkable talent and unwavering dedication suggest that he is poised to follow in the footsteps of Nigerian track and field icons like Egbunike, paving the way for a bright future in Nigerian athletics.
