Zakithi Nene Advances to 400m Final as Faith Kipyegon Continues Dominance in Tokyo

Posted : 16 September 2025

South African sprinter Zakithi Nene delivered an impressive performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, advancing to the men’s 400m final on Tuesday. Nene comfortably won his semifinal in 44.20 seconds, securing automatic qualification for Thursday’s medal race.

Despite being the fifth-fastest in the semis, Nene remains the world’s second-fastest 400m athlete this year after a personal best of 43.76 seconds earlier in the season, positioning him as a strong contender for a podium finish.

Reflecting on his performance, Nene said, “Survive and advance is the name of the game. I survived and advanced, and I’ve got one more round left.” Meanwhile, compatriot Lythe Pillay finished sixth in his semifinal in 44.82 seconds, exiting the competition.

Pillay acknowledged the strength of the field and focused on staying consistent, stating, “I’m healthy, I’m strong, things are clicking again, and I found my race.” Athletics South Africa President James Moloi remained positive, highlighting the progress made by the team and expressing confidence in the upcoming events.

Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon reinforced her status as the world’s premier middle-distance runner by winning her fourth world 1500m title. At 31, Kipyegon has also won the last three Olympic golds in the event, showcasing that motherhood can coexist with elite athletic performance.

She gave birth to her daughter Alyn in June 2018 and credits careful preparation, mental resilience, and strong support from her coach, husband, and team for her continued success.

Kipyegon described her return to competition as a gradual process, focusing on weight loss, training, and regaining peak fitness after maternity leave. Since August 2020, she has won 20 of 21 races over her preferred 1500m distance and has also excelled in other events, including the mile, 3000m, and 5000m.

Her coach, Patrick Sang, praised her for combining endurance with speed and maintaining a disciplined, complaint-free approach to training and competition.

Reflecting on her journey, Kipyegon recounted her beginnings barefoot in the 2011 junior world cross-country championships and highlighted her drive to continue pushing limits.

In 2023, she achieved her third world title alongside three world records and even challenged the four-minute mile barrier, demonstrating her enduring ambition to inspire the next generation of women athletes.

Zakithi Nene Advances to 400m Final as Faith Kipyegon Continues Dominance in Tokyo

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