The Grenada star Kirani James was stunned in the 400m at Xiamen, finishing fourth as Botswana dominated the podium.
Botswana's Bayapo Ndori beat 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James in stunning fashion at the first Wanda Diamond League meeting of the year in Xiamen on Saturday.
Kirani James, who entered the race with the air of a seasoned champion, found himself overwhelmed by the raw speed and determination of a new generation of competitors.
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From the moment the gun fired, it was clear the athletes from Botswana had no intention of giving James an easy ride.
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Ndori powered through the 400m with unstoppable momentum, storming across the finish line in 44.25 seconds. Hot on his heels was Christopher Bailey of the USA, who delivered a personal best of 44.27 seconds, but still fell short of catching the dynamic Botswanan.
Adding to Botswana’s domination, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi claimed third place with a strong 44.53-second performance, further highlighting the country's rising prominence in the sprinting world.
Meanwhile, Kirani James struggled to keep pace with the young frontrunners. Despite giving his all, the Grenadian star could only manage a fourth-place finish, clocking 44.89 seconds — a respectable time, but a far cry from the standards that once made him an Olympic champion.
Belgium’s Alexander Doom was close behind, finishing fifth in 44.92 seconds, narrowly ahead of the USA’s Vernon Norwood, who posted a time of 45.03 seconds.
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South Africa’s Lythe Pillay (45.28 seconds) and Norway’s Håvard Bentdal Ingvaldsen (45.33 seconds) followed, while China’s Ailixier Wumaier rounded out the field with 46.15 seconds.
All eyes will be on James to see how he responds this year, but for now, it is Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori who basks in the glory of a stunning upset and a new era announced in Xiamen.