American Sprinter, Isabella Whittaker shattered Norwegian dreams with a heart-stopping finish to claim victory in the women’s 400m in 49.58 at the Diamond League meet in Oslo.
Trailing for most of the race, the American bided her time before launching a ferocious kick off the final bend. With 15 meters to go, the Bislett Stadium crowd was on its feet, urging Henriette Jaeger to hold on. But Whittaker, eyes locked on the leader, found another gear, eating up the ground with every stride. In a dramatic closing charge, she surged past the fading Jaeger just steps from the line. She snatched victory in a perfectly executed ambush.
Final Results
1 Isabella Whittaker USA 49.58 PB
2 Henriette Jaeger Norway 49.62 NR
3 Yemi Mary John Anning Great Britain 50.24
4 Rhasidat Adeleke Ireland 50.42
5 Lieke Klaver Netherlands 50.64
6 Iga Bukowiecka Poland 50.67
7 Berta Segura Sevilla Spain 50.92
8 Sada Williams Barbados 50.94
Whittaker’s triumph is the latest chapter in a remarkable turnaround. After a strong but injury-plagued start to her collegiate career at the University of Pennsylvania, she transferred to the University of Arkansas to use her final year of eligibility and refine her craft in one of America’s most competitive track programs. The move paid off handsomely.
She quickly became a key contributor for the Razorbacks. She delivered a standout performance earlier this year at the 2025 NCAA Division I Indoor Championships, where she broke the collegiate indoor record in the 400m.
Coming into Oslo, the field was packed with world-class contenders and Perhaps no fan could believe if Whittaker would make a statement. Natalia Bukowiecka, the only woman in the world to have broken 49 seconds this year (48.90), arrived as the favorite. The reigning European champion and Olympic bronze medallist carried elite credentials.
Rhasidat Adeleke of Ireland (PB 49.07), a 2024 Olympic finalist and European silver medallist, could not make any threat. Whittaker, with her 49.24 PB prior to Oslo, was viewed as a rising threat.
Also in the mix was Lieke Klaver, the ever-smooth Dutch runner and 2024 European bronze medallist. Her combination of big-stage experience, and finishing strength didn’t count today.