The New Mexico run also saw Ogazi become the fastest African this season over 400m and the second African man to break 45 seconds indoors after fellow Nigerian Ezekiel Nathaniel.

The University of Alabama junior, who was a Paris 2024 Olympic finalist, also set a new facility record at the Albuquerque Convention Centre with the historic clocking.

Ogazi’s award follows those of Katelyn Adel, named Women’s Field Athlete of the Week on 27 January, and Doris Lemngole, the Women’s Runner of the Week on 3 February.

His achievement at the New Mexico Collegiate Classic represents a landmark moment in his indoor season and highlights his rising prominence on the global athletics stage.