Zakithi Nene took another step forward in what has been an impressive international season thus far, leading the South African charge at the Diamond League meeting in Paris, France on Sunday.
Nene took second place in the men's 400m race in 43.89, dipping under 44 seconds for the second time in his career. He was just 0.13 outside his personal best (43.76) which he set in Nairobi last year. Up front, world champion Collen Kepinatshipi of Botswana won the race in 43.54, setting a new Diamond League record.
Also competing at the top-flight meeting in the French capital, former world indoor champion Prudence Sekgodiso achieved a breakthrough result in the women's 800m race. Sekgodiso finished fourth in 1:56.83, setting a personal best and running under 1:57.00 for the first time in her career. The two-lap contest was won by in-form Swiss athlete Audrey Werro, who set a Diamond League record of 1:53.80.
In the men's 100m sprint, experienced athlete Akani Simbine was fourth in a season's best 9.97. Former world indoor 60m champion Trayvon Bromell of the United States secured victory in a closely contested battle in 9.91, with the top five men all dipping under 10 seconds.
National record holder Marione Fourie took sixth position in her 100m hurdles heat in 12.66, and she did not progress beyond the opening round.
World record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria went on to win the final in 12.28.
The ninth leg of the 2026 Diamond League series will be held in Eugene, Oregon on Saturday.