Zambia’s 400m sprint sensation Muzala Samukonga began his 2025 athletics season with a respectable showing at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic, a Wanda Diamond League event held over the weekend in Eugene, Oregon. Despite finishing fifth in the men’s 400m final, Samukonga clocked an impressive 44.49 seconds — his fastest time so far this year.
The race, one of the most anticipated events of the meet, featured a world-class field of competitors, with Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith taking top honours in 44.10 seconds, also a season-best. Samukonga missed out on the podium by just 0.19 seconds, a narrow margin that highlights the razor-thin competitiveness at this elite level.
“First appearance for the 2025 Diamond League. Great race, season best, 44.49,” the Zambian sprinter wrote on his social media accounts, choosing to stay positive and focused on personal improvement rather than the final position.
The Prefontaine Classic, known for producing top-tier performances and fast times, served as the perfect platform for Samukonga to test himself early in the season. His ability to hold his own in such a stacked lineup has reaffirmed his status as one of Africa’s brightest prospects in the 400m event.
While a podium finish would have been ideal, Samukonga’s fifth-place result is far from disappointing. In fact, the time represents a solid foundation to build upon as he works toward upcoming races in the Diamond League circuit and prepares for major championships later in the year.
Having made his international breakthrough in 2022 and continued to impress through 2023 and 2024, Samukonga remains a key figure in Zambia’s growing athletics scene. His consistent performances on the world stage continue to inspire younger athletes and bring attention to the country’s sprinting potential.
With the 2025 season still in its early stages, Samukonga’s focus now shifts to sharpening his form and strategy in future competitions. His result in Oregon has made it clear that he remains a serious contender and one to watch in the build-up to the season’s peak.
As Zambia continues to rise in the athletics world, Samukonga’s resilience, work ethic, and commitment to excellence keep him firmly on track to achieving even greater heights.