Busang Collen Kebinatshipi has etched his name into history by becoming Botswana’s first-ever men’s World Champion after a stunning victory in the 400 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 21-year-old stormed to gold in 43.53 seconds, setting a new national record and cementing his place among the world’s elite sprinters. His triumph also marks a breakthrough moment for Botswana, which has produced strong 400m runners in recent years but never a world champion until now.
Kebinatshipi’s composed performance saw him surge in the final stretch, leaving his rivals trailing. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards claimed silver in a national record 43.72 seconds, while Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori secured bronze in 44.20 seconds, making it a historic double podium finish for the Southern African nation.
Speaking after his victory, Kebinatshipi described the moment as a dream come true: “I didn’t expect this so soon, but I knew I had the strength to push through. Winning for Botswana means everything to me.”
This achievement not only highlights Kebinatshipi’s rising status in global athletics but also underscores Botswana’s growing reputation in sprinting. With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, his breakthrough signals even greater potential for the nation on the world stage.
