Ogazi Joins Elite List with Historic Indoor 400m Performance
Samuel Ogazi lit up the track at the New Mexico Collegiate Classic, producing a sensational 44.85 seconds in the 400m indoors to set a new lifetime best.
The reigning NCAA outdoor champion, just 19 years old, now leads Africa in the event this season and sits second on the world list, behind only Jonathan Simms of the United States, who clocked 44.62 in January.
Ogazi, already a Paris 2024 Olympic finalist, has become the second fastest African man ever over the distance indoors, trailing only compatriot Ezekiel Nathaniel’s 44.75. His run also makes him just the second man in history to dip under 45 seconds indoors, a feat that places him among the sport’s most exclusive company.
Globally, Ogazi is now the 20th athlete to break the 45-second barrier indoors and ties Fred Kerley for 13th on the all-time list.
His performance shattered the facility record at the Albuquerque Convention Center, previously held by Auhmad Robinson of Texas A&M at 45.40.
This confirms his status not only as Nigeria’s brightest sprinting prospect but also as one of the most exciting young quarter-milers in global athletics.
