Botswana made history at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, September 21, defeating defending champions the United States to capture gold in the men’s 4x400m relay.
The team of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi posted 2:57.76, edging out the Americans who ran a season’s best of 2:57.83.
Heading into the final, Botswana had never won a medal in this event at the championships—but they left Tokyo with two. South Africa also joined the podium, taking bronze in 2:57.83 after a photo finish with the US.
The victory marks Botswana as the first African nation ever to win the men’s 4x400m relay world title, sparking celebrations across the continent.
Adding to the glory, Kebinatshipi delivered a sensational run in the individual 400m, winning gold in 43.53 seconds—the fastest time in the world this year. His teammate Bayapo Ndori also claimed bronze in the same race.
“This is my first title and it feels crazy,” Kebinatshipi said after his win. “In the final, I had no fear. I wanted to go all out and see where I could go.”
The triumph not only carved a milestone for Botswana but also underlined Africa’s rising power in global athletics, especially in sprinting events long dominated by the United States.
