The national record holder in the men’s 400m hurdles, Ezekiel Nathaniel, has set his sights on the gold medal after qualifying for the semi-finals of the event at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nathaniel had an impressive run from lane three to place second in 48.38s, his fourth fastest time ever, to qualify for the semi-finals on Tuesday (today).
Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke won the race in 48.17s, and France’s Wilfried Happio took the last automatic spot in 48.42s.
Nathaniel is the first Nigerian athlete in 12 years to make the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at the Olympics, and the 21-year-old is hoping to do much better than Amaechi Morton at London 2012 and Henry Amike at Los Angeles 1984.
“It’s a dream come true to be running at the Olympics,” Nathaniel told Making of Champions after his heat.
“I was in lane three, and I went out hard as fast as I could. I felt good, and I saw everyone moving. So, I say let me stay logged in to my race pattern, and I feel so confident in myself right now. I’m just waiting for the semifinals.
“My coach will also tell me to focus on the big Q, and it feels good.
Having made the finals of some major competitions in the world, the national champion is upbeat about his chances ahead of Wednesday’s final.
“I feel like those experiences have built a lot of courage in me and made me feel more experienced about the event. Right now, I’m not anxious or scared of anyone. Everyone is out here to compete with the mindset of winning gold, and I am also out here with the mindset of winning gold.”
Nathaniel has been having a fantastic season, from bettering his national record to qualifying for the Olympics and winning bronze at the NCAA Championships.
“It’s awesome, and I feel so proud of myself to have done that, and I know I still have more left in the tank.”
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