Botswana has made history at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, defeating defending champions USA to claim the men’s 4x400m gold.
The team of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi ran 2:57:76. They edged out the USA, who clocked 2:57:83, their season’s best.
It was Botswana’s first medal in the event. They left Tokyo not with one but with two. South Africa also ran 2:57:83 but settled for bronze after a photo finish confirmed the results.
First African Gold in 4x400m
With this victory, Botswana became the first African nation to win the men’s 4x400m relay title on the world stage. The win brought joy not only to Botswana but also to African athletics supporters watching worldwide.
The night belonged to Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, who shocked the world with 43.53 seconds in his leg of the race — the fastest time in 2025. His performance helped secure the gold for Botswana.
🥇Botswana 🇧🇼 2:57.76s
🥈USA 🇺🇸 2:57.83s
🥉South Africa 🇿🇦 2:57.83s
Belgium 🇧🇪 2:59.48s
Qatar 🇶🇦 3:01.64s
Great Britain & NI 🇬🇧 3:03.05s
Jamaica 🇯🇲 3:03.46s
Netherlands 🇳🇱 3:04.84s
Portugal 🇵🇹 3:09.06s
Kebinatshipi also stormed to victory in the men’s 400m final, taking gold. His teammate, Bayapo Ndori, claimed bronze, making Botswana one of the most successful African nations at this year’s championship.
“This is my first title and it feels crazy,” Kebinatshipi said. “In the final, I had no fear. I wanted to go all out and see where I could go.”
The achievement cements Botswana’s rising reputation in world athletics, with Letsile Tebogo already a global sprint sensation.
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