Nigeria’s Nathaniel Ezekiel claimed a hard-fought bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles final at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League in Zurich on Thursday.
The American NCAA champion clocked 47.56 seconds to finish third in the series final. “It was a tough race, but I gave it everything,” Ezekiel said after the event.
Norway’s Karsten Warholm stormed to victory in 46.70 seconds, setting a new meet record. Qatar’s Abderrahmane Samba, bronze medallist at the 2019 World Championships, finished second in 47.56.
For his bronze, Ezekiel pocketed $10,000 prize money. Because the Zurich race was classified as a Diamond+ event, he earned $3,000 more than usual. Across his first Diamond League season, he has now earned $20,000.
Salwa Eid Naser Wins Third Diamond Trophy
On a night Nigeria expected to see Tobi Amusan defend her 100m hurdles crown, she did not start. Instead, Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, formerly Nigerian quarter-miler Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu, lit up Zurich.
She powered to her third Diamond League title in the women’s 400m. Naser crossed the line in a new meet record of 48.70 seconds. Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino came second in 49.23, while Norway’s Henriette Jaeger took third in 49.49.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent ran 12.30 seconds to win. She narrowly missed Amusan’s meet record of 12.29 set in 2022. Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji thrilled home fans with a national record of 12.40 for second, while America’s Grace Stark clocked 12.44 for third.
Can Amusan reclaim her dominance when she returns? Nigerian fans will surely ask this question as the countdown to next season begins.
Lyles Beats Tebogo, Coleman Defends 100m Crown
The men’s 200m was another thriller. American Noah Lyles edged Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo of Botswana. Lyles won in 19.74 seconds, while Tebogo clocked 19.76.
Alexander Ogando of the Dominican Republic came third in 20.14. Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike finished eighth and collected a $1,000 consolation cheque.
In the men’s 100m, American Christian Coleman blasted from the blocks and never looked back. He won in 9.97 seconds (wind -0.4 m/s). South Africa’s Akani Simbine finished second in 9.98, while Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake was third in 9.99.
The women’s 100m final was taken by Olympic champion Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia. She crossed the line in 10.76 seconds. Jamaica’s Tia Clayton ran 10.84 for second place, and Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith finished third in 10.94. Côte d’Ivoire’s Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith was disqualified for a false start.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, and join us on our social media handles. You can also Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
