Muzala Samukonga Blazes to Victory in Budapest, Africa’s 400m Supremacy Ahead of Tokyo 2025
Muzala Samukonga has firmly established himself as Africa’s fastest 400m runner with a remarkable victory at the World Athletics Gold Tour event held in Budapest on August 12, 2025. He won the men’s 400m race with a season-best time of 44.11 seconds, narrowly edging out strong competitors including Jereem Richards from Trinidad and Tobago, who finished closely behind at 44.14 seconds. This performance underscores Samukonga’s elite status on the global stage as he prepares for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Samukonga, a Zambian sprinter born in 2002, has been steadily rising through the ranks in the 400m event. He previously made headlines by winning gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the African Championships. He also secured a bronze medal in the 400m at the 2024 Paris Olympics with a personal and national record of 43.74 seconds, showcasing his consistent improvement and competitive edge. His win in Budapest adds to his career achievements and sets a strong tone for his campaign at the upcoming World Championships.
Beyond the Budapest victory, Samukonga’s career highlights include breaking a decade-long dominance in African 400m running by Botswana athletes, competing in major Diamond League events, and consistently ranking among the world’s top 400m athletes. At just 22 years old, his trajectory suggests he will be a key contender and African beacon in the men’s 400m as the sport looks toward Tokyo 2025.
Samukonga dedicates his success to rigorous training and focused preparation, often emphasizing the mental and physical discipline needed to compete at the highest level. He draws inspiration from other great African sprinters and aims to build on their legacy. His recent top form and season-best time in Budapest indicate he is peaking at the right moment to challenge the world’s best in the forthcoming championships
