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Botswana etched its name into athletics history on Sunday, claiming Africa’s first-ever World Championships relay title with a dramatic victory in the men’s 4x400m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025.
The lineup of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie (27), Letsile Tebogo (22), Bayapo Ndori (26), and Collen Kebinatshipi (21) delivered a near-perfect performance, clocking a combined 2:57.76, to secure gold and add another milestone to the country’s growing track legacy.
Highlights
- Botswana wins its first World Championships relay gold in the men’s 4x400m event.
- Collen Kebinatshipi, the 21-year-old 400m world champion, anchored the team with a blistering 44.14 split to seal gold in 2:57.76.
- The U.S., winners of nine of the last ten world titles, changed all four athletes for the final and took silver from South Africa by just two thousandths of a second, after both clocked 2:57.83.
- Victory marks a double triumph for the nation following Kebinatshipi’s historic 400m gold earlier in the week (World Athletics).
- The relay gold cements Botswana as a rising athletics powerhouse in Africa and on the global stage.
- Victory underscores the importance of team depth, strategy, and national sports development.
- Triumph sparks renewed interest in Botswana’s potential as a hub for sporting investment and tourism (Reuters).
The Race of a Lifetime
The Tokyo National Stadium was electric as Botswana’s relay team lined up against traditional powerhouses like the United States and Jamaica. Each baton exchange was executed with remarkable precision, and the anchor leg brought the crowd to its feet. Botswana’s finisher surged past his rivals in the closing meters to clinch gold, stopping the clock at 2:57.76 for a season’s best time.
The victory followed closely on the heels of Collen Kebinatshipi’s historic 400m win, which made him Botswana’s first men’s world champion. Kebinatshipi’s blistering relay leg was pivotal in securing the triumph, reinforcing his status as the face of Botswana’s athletics renaissance. Together, these achievements highlight the nation’s growing dominance in the 400m discipline.
The drama extended to the silver medal, where the United States edged out South Africa by a margin so thin it required a photo finish. Both teams finished in 2:57.83, but the U.S. took silver by just 0.002 seconds after fielding a completely fresh lineup from their morning heat.
Lineup & Splits
- Bayapo Ndori (23) – Opened strongly, setting a competitive pace against the world’s elite.
- Leungo Scotch (27) – Maintained momentum, keeping Botswana firmly in contention.
- Collen Kebinatshipi (21) – The 400m world champion produced a sensational third leg, surging ahead and setting up the decisive finish.
- Letsile Tebogo (21) – Anchored with composure, sealing victory in 2:57.76 and securing Botswana’s place in history.
Botswana – Gold (2:57.76)
- Lee Bhekempilo Eppie (27) – 45.16
- Letsile Tebogo (22) – 44.05
- Bayapo Ndori (26) – 44.41
- Collen Kebinatshipi (21) – 44.14
United States – Silver (2:57.83)
- Vernon Norwood – 44.60
- Jacory Patterson – 44.22
- Khaleb McRae – 44.61
- Rai Benjamin – 44.40
South Africa – Bronze (2:57.83)
- Lythe Pillay – 44.64
- Udeme Okon – 44.27
- Wayde van Niekerk – 44.63
- Zakithi Nene – 44.29
Beyond the Medal: National Impact
This relay gold has implications far beyond athletics:
- Sports Diplomacy: Botswana’s victories enhance its global profile, elevating its voice in international sports forums.
- Tourism & Branding: Sporting success can help attract visitors and international investment, with Botswana positioning itself as a destination for sports tourism (Visit Botswana).
- Youth Inspiration: The triumph will inspire a new generation of athletes in Botswana, encouraging participation at grassroots levels.
- Corporate Sponsorship: With a global audience watching, Botswana’s athletes become more attractive to multinational brands seeking authentic African champions.
Building an African Sprint Legacy
Botswana’s performance reflects broader trends in African athletics:
- Diversifying Success: While East Africa dominates distance events, Southern Africa is emerging as a sprinting hub.
- Investment Payoffs: Strategic support in training facilities, coaching, and international exposure is bearing fruit.
- Regional Rivalries: Botswana’s win adds competitive fire to African athletics, challenging established giants like South Africa and Nigeria.
A Defining Golden Era
With Kebinatshipi’s individual gold and now a historic 4x400m relay triumph, Botswana has entered a new golden era in athletics. These victories are not just sporting achievements—they are national milestones that could reshape the country’s global image and economic opportunities.
As the dust settles in Tokyo, the message is clear: Botswana has arrived as a serious contender on the world athletics stage.
