South Africa’s Zakithi Nene claimed the second Diamond League victory of his career after winning the men’s 400m at the BAUHAUS-galan meeting in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday.
The 28-year-old from Ladysmith produced a controlled performance from lane nine to cross the line in 44.48 seconds, adding another Stockholm triumph to his growing résumé after securing his first Diamond League win at the same venue three years ago.
American Jacory Patterson finished second in 44.69, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards took third in a season’s best 44.87.
Nene emerged from the final bend in front and maintained his form down the home straight, holding off a quality field to secure victory in one of the meeting’s most competitive races.
Speaking after the race in an interview with Wanda Diamond League, Nene described Stockholm as a special place in his career and said it felt good to return to the Swedish capital and win again at the venue where he earned his maiden Diamond League success.
The victory continues an encouraging season for the South African, whose personal best of 43.76 places him among the leading one-lap runners on the international circuit.
There was further South African interest elsewhere in Stockholm.
Sinesipho Dambile finished second in the men’s 200m behind American Kenny Bednarek, clocking 20.10 seconds. Fellow South African Mthi Mthimkulu placed fifth in the race.
In the women’s 800m, Prudence Sekgodiso finished fifth in 1:57.70 in a race won by Switzerland’s Audrey Werro, who set a Diamond League record and world-leading time of 1:53.98.
Nene’s victory provided the highlight of the day for South Africa, reinforcing his status as one of the country’s leading medal prospects as the international season gathers momentum.
