Jamaica’s Roshawn Clarke won the race in 48.17s, and France’s Wilfried Happio took the last automatic spot in 48.42s.
Nathaniel is the first Nigerian athlete in 12 years to make the semi-finals of the 400m hurdles at the Olympics, and the 21-year-old is hoping to do much better than Amaechi Morton at London 2012 and Henry Amike at Los Angeles 1984.
“It’s a dream come true to be running at the Olympics,” Nathaniel told Making of Champions after his heat.
“I was in lane three, and I went out hard as fast as I could. I felt good, and I saw everyone moving. So, I say let me stay logged in to my race pattern, and I feel so confident in myself right now. I’m just waiting for the semifinals.
“My coach will also tell me to focus on the big Q, and it feels good.
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