Botswana etched its name into athletics history on Sunday night, becoming the first African nation to win the men’s 4x400m relay gold at the World Athletics Championships.
In a rain-soaked final that went down to the wire, the Botswanan quartet stormed to victory with a national record time of 2:57.76. Anchored by newly crowned world 400m champion Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, Botswana produced a dramatic finish as Kebinatshipi chased down American star Rai Benjamin in the closing meters to snatch the title.
The United States crossed in 2:57.83, just 0.07 seconds behind, while South Africa also clocked 2:57.83 but had to settle for bronze by the narrowest of margins.
The result is a landmark moment not only for Botswana but for the entire continent, breaking new ground in a relay event long dominated by the United States and other traditional powerhouses.
Speaking after the race, Kebinatshipi described the victory as a dream come true: “We knew it would take everything to beat the best in the world. The rain made it tough, but we trusted each other, and I had to give everything in that last stretch for my country.”
Botswana’s triumph builds on a stellar championship campaign, with Kebinatshipi already winning gold in the individual 400m earlier in Tokyo. Their relay victory now cements the nation’s rising status as a sprinting powerhouse on the global stage.
