Botswana makes history with first Men’s 4x400m relay world title
Botswana claimed their first-ever men’s 4x400m relay world championship on Sunday, stunning favorites USA and South Africa in torrential rain at the World Athletics Championships. Anchor runner Collen Kebinatshipi delivered a masterful final leg, surging through the middle of his competitors in the home straight to secure gold in 2:57.76.
The dramatic finish saw the United States take silver and South Africa bronze, both clocking identical times of 2:57.83 separated by just two thousandths of a second.
“I had to run the most strategic leg because of the weather,” said Kebinatshipi, who also won individual 400m gold. “At the last 80 meters I pushed and started running faster.”
The victory marked a breakthrough moment for African athletics in an event traditionally dominated by the United States, who had won nine of the previous ten world titles.
USA’s Rai Benjamin, despite leading into the final straight, couldn’t hold off Kebinatshipi’s late surge. “I wanted to bring gold for these guys,” said the disappointed 400m hurdles champion.
Letsile Tebogo’s crucial second-leg performance kept Botswana competitive, while South Africa’s challenge was driven by veteran Wayde van Niekerk, competing in what he indicated would be his final 400m championship.
The triumph caps a remarkable rise for Botswana’s sprint program following their Olympic silver medal in Paris.
