Ogazi Misses $150k Top Prize at Ultimate Championship, Declares: ‘I Have No Limits’

Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi may have missed out on the $150,000 top prize at the Ultimate Championship, but the quarter-miler has declared that his breakthrough 2026 season has convinced him that there are no limits to what he can achieve.

Ogazi, who enjoyed a remarkable rise from a 46-second personal best before the season to a stunning 43.3 seconds outdoors, reflected on his journey after an unforgettable campaign that also saw him win his first professional meet and represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games.

‘This season is one I will never forget,’ Ogazi said. ‘If there is one thing this season has taught me, it is that I have no limits. I have learned that the only limits that truly exist are the ones we place on ourselves.’

The Nigerian admitted that he began the year with doubts about competing indoors, unsure of what to expect and whether he was ready for the challenge. But his decision to take the first step changed the direction of his season.

Ogazi opened his indoor campaign with 44.8 seconds, improved to 44.7 at the SEC Championships and then clocked 44.5 at the US Nationals, finishing the indoor season as the fourth-fastest 400m runner in the world indoors.

His progression continued outdoors, where he ran 44.0 seconds to open his campaign before improving to 43.9 at the SEC Championships, 43.8 at the regional championships and finally 43.3 at the NCAA Outdoor Championhips.

But the 400m specialist said his season was about more than personal bests. Winning his first professional meet and later helping Nigeria to victory at the Commonwealth Games provided moments he described as a blessing.

‘To experience those moments, after everything that had happened throughout the season, was truly a blessing,’ he said.

Ogazi also expressed appreciation to God, his parents, coach, agent Jelle, sisters and fans around the world for their support throughout his breakthrough campaign.

Despite the disappointment of missing the $150,000 top prize, Ogazi believes the experience has only strengthened his desire to improve. He said he is still learning how to master the 400m and believes there is considerably more to come.

‘I’m still figuring out how to run the 400m. I’m still learning my body, learning my race, learning how to put everything together, and learning just how far I can really go. That makes me excited for what comes next,’ he said.

Ogazi described the transformation of his season as a journey from fear to belief and insisted that he is not satisfied with what he has already achieved.

‘This season started with fear, but it ended with belief. It started with me wondering what I could do and ended with me realizing that I can do anything I put my mind to,” he said.

‘So, I’m not saying it’s over. Not even close. Next year is going to be fun. I have more to learn, more to improve, and more to discover.

‘This is only the beginning. I have no limits.’