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Last week, African collegiate and professional athletes delivered incredible performances that resonated globally in the world of track and field. From record-breaking NCAA Nationals in Eugene to world-leading achievements in Stockholm and Oslo, here’s a breakdown of how Africa’s finest left an indelible mark.
NCAA Nationals: African Collegians Dominate the 2025 Outdoor Championships
African collegians showcased their immense talent at the recent 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships:
Carli Makarawu (Zimbabwe – University of Kentucky): This Zimbabwean speedster capped his season in spectacular fashion, claiming the NCAA Outdoor title in the men’s 200m. He clocked a blistering 19.84 seconds, not only securing the national title but also setting a new Zimbabwean national record, a school record, and the seventh-fastest collegiate performance ever.
Makanakaishe Charamba (Zimbabwe – Auburn University): Fellow Zimbabwean Makanakaishe Charamba of Auburn secured second place in the 200m, equaling his personal best (19.92s). This marked a dominant 1-2 finish for Zimbabwe at the NCAA, and incredibly, it was his fifth consecutive competition running sub-20 seconds.
Ajayi Kanyinsola (Nigeria – Auburn University): Ajayi delivered a powerful performance in the men’s 100m. He ran a blazing 9.92s in the semifinals to win his heat and qualify with the fastest time for the final. Though he finished fourth in the final with 10.13s, his 9.92s semifinal time was a new personal best and shattered the Auburn school record.
Israel Okon (Nigeria – Auburn University): Ajayi’s compatriot and teammate, Israel Okon, also reached the men’s 100m final, clocking a personal best of 10.07s in the semifinals before finishing seventh with a time of 10.18s.
Samuel Ogazi (Nigeria – University of Alabama): Ogazi stormed to the national title in the men’s 400m at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The Nigerian star was the only runner in the final to break the 45-second barrier, finishing with a winning time of 44.84s. It’s easy to forget that this impressive feat came from a still 19-year-old athlete.
Charles Godfred (Nigeria – University of Minnesota): Godfred showcased his prowess in the men’s long jump, securing a strong fourth-place finish at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a leap of 7.91m (25-11 1/2).
Nathaniel Ezekiel (Nigeria – Baylor University): Ezekiel continued his dominance in the men’s 400m hurdles, clinching the NCAA Outdoor title with a personal best and new Nigerian National Record of 47.49s. This time also stands as the second-fastest in the world this year and the third-fastest African and NCAA time of all time.
Ella Onojuvwevwo (Nigeria – Louisiana State University): Onojuvwevwo delivered an impressive performance in the women’s 400m, finishing fourth overall in the final with a time of 50.57 seconds. This follows her setting a new Nigeria U20 record of 50.31 seconds in the semifinals. She also solidified her position as the fifth-best Nigerian quarter-miler of all time and automatically qualified for the World Championship in Tokyo later this year
Tina Godbless (Nigeria – Louisiana State University): Godbless competed in both the 100m and the 4x100m relay at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. In the 100m, she finished third in the final with 11.19s, after running a swift 10.91s in the prelims. Having already qualified for the World Championship in Tokyo, she’ll be aiming for her best times there.
Winny BII (Kenya – Texas A&M): Bii was crowned the NCAA Outdoor champion in the women’s triple jump, leaping 13.96 meters. She became the first Kenyan athlete to ever win the NCAA title in this event, building on her national record of 14.01m set earlier this year.
Rose Yeboah (Ghana – Illinois University): The Ghana high jump queen continued her excellence, securing silver in the women’s high jump at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships, clearing a season-best 1.93m (6-4). While she hasn’t yet achieved the World Championship entry standard of 1.97m, Rose is currently ranked 29th on the Road to Tokyo list, with the top 32 athletes being selected at the end of the qualifying window.
John Adesola (South Africa – University of Houston): Adesola earned bronze in the men’s 110m hurdles with a lifetime best of 13.28s at the 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships, showcasing his strong potential for international podium finishes. He narrowly missed the World Championship qualifying time of 13.27s by just 0.01 seconds and will be hoping to secure the automatic mark or qualify through world ranking before the window closes.
Theo Mudzengerere (Zimbabwe – University of South Carolina): Theo Mudzengerere, a triple jump specialist, finished an impressive sixth in the men’s triple jump at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a mark of 16.09m (52-9.5). This makes him the first Gamecock male to score in the triple jump at the NCAA Outdoor Championship.
The Pro League Dominance: Africa’s Elite Show Up and Show Out
African athletes also made their commanding presence felt on the professional circuit:
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi (Kenya – Men’s 800m, Stockholm DL): Wanyonyi delivered a performance for the ages in Stockholm, clocking a world-leading time of 1:41.95 in the 800m. The Kenyan phenom continues to redefine what’s possible in middle-distance running, surging away from the field in a finish that was as powerful as it was poetic.
- Mary Moraa (Kenya – Women’s 800m, Stockholm DL): Moraa matched Wanyonyi’s brilliance with her own season-best performance to finish second in the women’s 800m in 1:57.83. The reigning world champion’s unmatched closing kick solidified her place at the top of the global rankings.
- Prudence Sekgodiso (South Africa – Women’s 800m, Stockholm DL): Prudence delivered a personal best of 1:58.00, finishing third in the same event. The 22-year-old South African has quietly built a strong 2025 season, and this performance clearly showcases her rising potential.
- Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith (Ivory Coast – Women’s 100m, Stockholm DL): The evergreen Ivorian icon ran a season-best of 11.00s to take third place at the Stockholm Diamond League. As she continues to adjust to her new training setup, this performance signals she’s still a medal threat come championship time.
- Marione Fourie (South Africa – Women’s 100m Hurdles, FBK Games): At the FBK Games in the Netherlands, Fourie finished second with an impressive 12.60s in the 100m hurdles, proving her ability to compete with the world’s best in this technical event. This performance also marked a season best.
The Big Picture: Africa’s Track Legacy Continues to Grow
Whether it’s dominance at the NCAA level or brilliance in the Diamond League, African athletes are increasingly taking command of the global track scene. Their performances this past week have not only elevated national pride but also signaled a new era where African sprinters, jumpers, and middle-distance stars are no longer just contenders, but undeniable frontrunners.
Keep a close watch on this space. The Tokyo 2025 World Championships are just around the corner, promising even more thrilling performances!
