Collen Kebinatshipi Anchors Botswana to 4x400m Gold as USA Take Silver in Tokyo Rain

Botswana have etched their name in history by winning the men’s 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, conquering torrential rain and fierce competition to become the FIRST African country ever crowned champions in this event.

The Olympic silver medallists lined up with Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori and newly crowned 400m world champion Busang Collen Kebinatshipi — a quartet that delivered a masterclass in speed and precision on a wet National Stadium track.

The drama began right from the gun as Bhekempilo Eppie powered through the opening lap, handing over to Tebogo with Botswana in contention but just shy of the lead. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Tebogo, already a global star over 100m and 200m, displayed his astonishing range by surging past the field down the backstretch, giving Botswana a slim advantage at the halfway point. Bayapo Ndori maintained the momentum with a composed third leg, setting up a thrilling anchor battle in driving rain.

Collen Kebinatshipi took the baton with the USA and South Africa still within striking distance.The youngster, Kebinatshipi unleashed a commanding final lap, stretching the lead and crossing the line in 2:57.76.

 The USA, anchored by Rai Benjamin, fought valiantly but had to settle for silver, clocking 2:57.83. South Africa, inspired by Wayde van Niekerk’s presence on the third leg, took bronze in 2:57.83.

Belgium, who had impressed with their semifinal performance, finished just off the podium in fourth, while Qatar faded in the final 100m to fifth. The Brian team, who had been strong in the heats, struggled in the wet and placed sixth with Jamaica, Netherlands and Portgual following in that order.

The rain-soaked final added an extra layer of challenge, but Botswana’s quartet never faltered in their exchanges, a stark contrast to the baton chaos that had marred other teams’ heats earlier in the championship.

 The victory was met with jubilant celebrations from the team and their traveling supporters, who have followed Botswana’s meteoric rise in the 400m discipline over the past three seasons.

Tebogo, who has now medalled across three different sprint distances this week, was visibly emotional after the race. 

“This means everything to us. We knew we had the team to do it, and we wanted to make history for Botswana,” he said, drenched but smiling under the pouring rain.

The win cements Botswana’s status as the new powerhouse in men’s 400m running, completing a remarkable championship where they not only produced the individual champion but also claimed the ultimate team prize.