Ezekiel Nathaniel extends winning streak with ATX Classic 400m triumph
Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel continued his impressive start to the 2026 outdoor season, storming to victory in the men’s 400m at the ATX Classic in Austin, Texas.
The Nigerian quarter-miler produced a strong finish to clock 45.49 seconds, narrowly holding off Americans Noah Williams, who finished in 45.52 seconds, and Randolph Ross, who crossed the line in 45.75 seconds in a tightly contested race.
The win marks Nathaniel’s second consecutive victory of the season and further highlights the consistency that has made him one of Nigeria’s brightest athletics prospects.
His latest success comes just weeks after a dramatic outing at the Lone Star Grand Prix, where he claimed victory in the men’s 400m hurdles. Nathaniel and American Trevor Bassitt both stopped the clock at 47.37 seconds, but the Nigerian was ultimately declared the winner following a photo-finish review.
The back-to-back triumphs have reinforced Nathaniel’s growing reputation as a versatile one-lap specialist, capable of excelling in both the 400m and 400m hurdles. His ability to consistently deliver high-level performances has placed him firmly among the athletes to watch as the international athletics season gathers momentum.
Speaking after his victory at the Lone Star Grand Prix, Nathaniel expressed satisfaction with his performance and emphasized his desire to build confidence and rhythm heading into the year’s biggest competitions.
With major championships and high-profile meetings, including the Diamond League circuit, looming on the calendar, the Nigerian star appears to be finding form at the perfect time.
For Nathaniel, the victories are more than just early-season successes, they are further proof of his steady progression on the global stage and a statement of intent as he targets an even bigger breakthrough in 2026.
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