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Zakithi Nene during a race
South Africa’s men 400 metres sprint sensation Zakithi Nene is through to the final of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The 27-year-old from uMnambithi in KwaZulu-Natal crossed the finishing line in 44.20 seconds in the first of three semifinals of the event.
It is the fifth fastest qualifying time for the final that is led by fellow African, Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshibi, who clocked 43.61 in the third semifinal.
The final will be staged on Thursday afternoon.
The queen of middle distance, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, won the 1500m race in 3min, 52.15 secs ahead of her compatriot, Dorcus Ewoi and Jessica Hull of Australia.
WHAAAAAT ‼️‼️‼️‼️@Tshepo Tshite runs a race of his life to claim a stake in the mens 1500m Final
A story about never giving up, its been coming 🥹🤝 pic.twitter.com/OpMWQBAzGD
— Athletics South Africa (@AthleticsSA_) September 16, 2025
