Botswana pulled off a stunning performance on Sunday to win the men’s 4×400 metres relay at the World Championships, becoming the first African nation to ever claim the title. The race, which played out under heavy rain, ended in dramatic fashion as Botswana crossed the line in 2 minutes 57.76 seconds, edging out the United States and South Africa in a breathtaking finish.
For most of the race, it looked like the Americans would extend their dominance. The U.S., winners of nine of the last ten titles, led at the final baton change after barely making it into the final through a run-off earlier in the day. Despite fielding a fresh quartet, they were stunned in the final stretch and had to settle for silver at 2:57.83, just two thousandths of a second ahead of South Africa, who also clocked the same time.
The hero of the night was 21-year-old Collen Kebinatshipi, Botswana’s rising star fresh off his individual 400m gold. Running the anchor leg with electrifying pace, Kebinatshipi stormed past the Americans in the home straight to seal a historic victory that cements Botswana’s place in the global athletics spotlight.
World Athletics confirmed the photo-finish times, emphasizing how razor-thin the margins were between silver and bronze. But for Botswana, this was more than a win—it was a defining moment for African sprinting and a signal that the continent is ready to challenge the world on the grandest stage.
