Samuel Ogazi Shatters NCAA Record on Day 3 of Championships

In another remarkable display at Hayward Field, Samuel Ogazi, the reigning NCAA outdoor champion, set a new collegiate benchmark in the men’s 400-meter final, clocking in at 43.38 seconds during the NCAA track and field championships on June 12. This performance obliterated the previous record of 43.61 seconds set by Michael Norman of USC in 2018. “I feel amazing,” Ogazi expressed after crossing the finish line. “Words can’t express how I feel right now.”

The athlete admitted he was taken aback when the record-breaking time flashed on the jumbotron, though he had confidence in his ability to achieve such a feat. Having previously recorded a time of 43.82 seconds at the NCAA regional championships, Ogazi noted that Friday’s race marked his best reaction to the starting gun this season. “It’s a dream come true,” he reflected on his accomplishment. “Growing up I’ve always wanted to get a collegiate record.”

Adding to his accolades from last year, when he claimed the outdoor 400 title in Eugene, Ogazi's success continues to inspire him, particularly drawing motivation from fellow competitors like Norman, Kirani James, and Quincy Hall.

Meanwhile, LSU junior Jaiden Reid made waves by setting a new collegiate record in the men’s 200-meter final, completing the race in 19.63 seconds. Reid, who has had a challenging season battling asthma, surpassed competitors including Auburn's Israel Okon (19.99) and Indiana's Trelee Banks (20.02). “Crazy,” Reid remarked on his achievement. “You just have to thank God; without him I couldn’t have done this.”

In the distance events, New Mexico's Habtom Samuel achieved a rare feat, becoming the first athlete since 2023 to win both the men’s 5,000 and 10,000 meters in a single NCAA weekend. He secured the 5,000 title in a time of 13:38.93, following his earlier 10,000 victory in 27:51.31.

Other notable performances included Ralford Mullings of Oklahoma winning the men’s discus with a throw of 215 feet, 11 inches, and Georgia’s Kimani Jack taking the men’s high jump at 7-5 3/4. Tennessee triumphed in a chaotic men’s 4x100-meter relay, finishing in 37.98 seconds, as several teams struggled with baton exchanges. The Arkansas Razorbacks ultimately claimed the men’s team title with a total of 56 points, followed by Georgia with 49 points and Tennessee with 46 points.