Nigeria’s rising sprint star, Samuel Ogazi, has secured a spot in the final of the men’s 400m at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, France.

The 19-year-old athlete ran in the third semi-final on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, and finished in third place with a personal best time of 44.41 seconds. This performance earned him a place in the final.

In the semi-final race, Matthew Hudson-Smith of Great Britain took first place with a time of 44.07 seconds. Michael Norman of the USA came in second with a time of 44.26 seconds.

Ogazi, who is currently studying at the University of Alabama, has an impressive track record. He previously won both the 200m and 400m titles at the 2023 African U18 and U20 Championships in Ndola, Zambia.

He also secured gold in both events at the 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, Ogazi and his Nigerian team set a new games record in the mixed 4x100m relay.

Before moving to Alabama on a scholarship in 2023, Ogazi was based in Kaduna. He also competed in the 4x400m relay at the 2022 World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali, Colombia.