South Africa’s 400m sprint star Zakithi Nene came agonizingly close to a Diamond League victory on Friday night in Rome, edged out by the narrowest of margins by Olympic champion Quincy Hall.
In a thrilling finish that had fans on their feet at the Stadio Olimpico, Hall stopped the clock at a season’s best 44.22 seconds, just 0.01 seconds ahead of Nene’s impressive 44.23.
It was a showdown loaded with quality. The field included former world and Olympic champion Kirani James of Grenada, and Botswana’s rising star Collen Kebinatshipi, who clocked a personal season’s best of 44.51 for third.
A Brave Late Surge That Fell Just Short
Coming into the race, expectations were high for Nene after his electrifying world-leading 43.76 performance at the Kip Keino Classic in Kenya last weekend. But on the Rome track, a slightly sluggish start meant he had to play catch-up over the final 100 metres.
Nene’s split at the 300m mark was a promising 32.69 seconds, and his trademark finishing kick saw him surge ahead of Hall down the home straight. For a moment, it seemed the South African had it sewn up. But Hall, running in lane 6, dug deep in the final strides and edged ahead as both men lunged at the line.
After the race, Nene reflected on the narrow defeat.
“This time is my third fastest time ever. I wanted to win today but I got tripped on the finish line. Quincy had a good rabbit running in lane 6. This race showed me that I am very consistent in my races.”
A Season of Consistency and Promise
Despite the narrow loss, Nene’s Rome performance was another signal of his remarkable consistency this season. He has already bettered the reigning Olympic champion on the Diamond League circuit, finishing ahead of Hall in Rabat last month.
And while disappointed not to take the win in Rome, Nene was upbeat about the experience.
“This is my first time running in Rome but I did the Golden Gala before, in Florence in 2021. This was my first Diamond League race then and since then Golden Gala has a special place in my heart. This stadium is my favorite stadium.”
What’s Next for Zakithi Nene?
Nene will head back to South Africa this Sunday for a training block before returning to Europe on June 10 for a 200m race at a Silver Meet.
It will serve as a tune-up for his next major target, the London Diamond League on July 19.
With his form holding steady and big-stage experience continuing to build, Nene remains one of South Africa’s brightest prospects for the upcoming World Championships in Japan.
