History was made on Sunday at the World Athletics Championship in Tokyo as Botswana stunned defending champions USA to claim the men’s 4x400m gold medal in dramatic fashion.
The Botswana quartet of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi clocked an impressive 2:57:76, narrowly beating the Americans who recorded 2:57:83, their season’s best.
First-Ever African Champions
This victory was more than a medal win — it was history. Botswana became the first African nation to win the men’s 4x400m title on the world stage.
The achievement was even more remarkable considering Botswana had never won a medal in this event before. They left Tokyo not only with gold but also with two medals, thanks to Bayapo Ndori’s bronze in an earlier race.
South Africa Joins the Podium
Adding to Africa’s joy, South Africa secured bronze with a time of 2:57:83, in what has now been described as one of the most competitive finals in recent history.
Kebinatshipi’s World-Leading Run
The highlight of the event was Busang Collen Kebinatshipi’s electrifying 43.53 seconds run — the fastest time in the world this year.
“This is my first title and it feels crazy,” he said after the race. “In the final, I had no fear. I wanted to go all out and see where I could go.”
Botswana’s victory has been hailed across Africa as a symbol of rising dominance in world athletics, breaking the long-standing grip of the United States in the event.
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