Haiti’s Wadeline Venlogh Shatters Her Own National Indoor Record in 400m at World Athletics Indoor Championships – Finishes 4th Overall

28-year-old former U.S. relay gold medalist rewrites history again after switching allegiance to Haiti in 2025

Haitian track star Wadeline Venlogh etched her name deeper into the record books with a stunning performance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, breaking her own national indoor record in the women’s 400 meters and securing fourth place overall in the event’s innovative two-section final format.

Competing fiercely in both sections, Venlogh stormed to a time of 51.07 seconds — lowering her previous Haitian indoor mark and finishing just behind the podium in a high-quality final. Czechia’s Lurdes Gloria Manuel claimed gold with a personal best of 50.76 seconds in one section, Poland’s Natalia Bukowiecka took silver in 50.83 (equaling the national record), and the Netherlands’ Lieke Klaver earned bronze with 51.02. Venlogh’s mark edged out strong contenders, including Kenya’s Mercy Adongo Oketch (51.25 NR, 5th overall).

The 28-year-old, born in Gonaïves, Haiti, and formerly known as Wadeline Jonathas while competing for the United States, switched her international allegiance to Haiti in 2025. She brings an impressive resume: Olympic gold medalist (4x400m relay, Tokyo 2020), World Championships gold medalist (4x400m relay, Doha 2019), and World Championships bronze medalist (mixed 4x400m relay, Eugene 2022).

Since joining Team Haiti, Venlogh has already rewritten national records outdoors — including a personal best of 50.23 at the 2025 NACAC Championships — and now adds this indoor milestone to her growing legacy.

Her journey through the championships was steady and strategic: she advanced from the heats, posted 51.80 in the semifinals to qualify, and delivered her peak performance in the decisive final sections.

Venlogh’s success is a powerful symbol of Haitian talent and resilience on the global stage, especially as she continues to represent her birth nation with pride and excellence.

L’Union Suite celebrates Wadeline Venlogh — a true Haitian champion rewriting history one record at a time.