South Africa's Zakithi Nene storms to fourth-fastest time in African history as Chidi Okezie impresses with SB performance in Nairobi

Zakithi Nene

South Africa's Zakithi Nene storms to fourth-fastest time in African history as Chidi Okezie impresses with SB performance in Nairobi

Funmilayo Fameso 15:05 - 31.05.2025

Zakithi Nene clocked a massive Personal Best of 43.76s to win the men’s 400m event at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, moving to fourth on the African all-time list.

South Africa's Zakithi Nene has become the fourth-fastest man in African history, after storming to the men's 400m win at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.

The 27-year-old, who has been in exceptional form this season, achieved a new world-leading and personal best (PB) time of 43.76s, finishing well ahead of Nigeria's Chidi Okezie, who recorded an impressive season's best of 44.98s - his second fastest time ever just shy of his 44.97s PB.

Zakithi Nene is the new 400m world leader and fourth-fastest man in African history

With his exceptional time, Nene became the fourth fastest African man in history behind compatriot Wayde van Niekerk's world record of 43.03s, Botswana's Isaac Makwala's 43.72s, and Zambia's Muzala Samukonga's 43.74s at the Paris Olympics.

In addition, he's the only 400m runner to go below the 44 seconds mark this season, showing he's in great form and can lower his time as the season progresses, with full focus on the World Championships in Tokyo this summer.

Meanwhile, in the women's category, Mercy Oketch blazed to the excitement of her home crowd by breaking the Kenyan women's 400m record with a time of 50.14s.

Mercy Oketch after smashing the 400m national record at Kip Keino Classic. Photo: Kip Keino Classic

She smashed the iconic Mary Moraa's 50.38s previous record to defeat Leni Shida, who was rewarded with a new Ugandan Record of 50.93s.

Tags: