Keypoints:
- Botswana secure first African 4x400m world title
- Collen Kebinatshipi anchors in 2:57.76
- US edge South Africa for silver in rain
BOTSWANA produced a scintillating display to win the men’s 4×400 metres relay at the World Championships on Sunday, becoming the first African nation to claim the title.
In a race battered by relentless rain, Botswana edged past the United States and South Africa in a thrilling blanket finish, stopping the clock at 2 minutes 57.76 seconds.
US falter despite strong start
The United States, winners of nine of the previous 10 world crowns, led at the final changeover after scraping into the final earlier in the day by beating Kenya in a run-off. All four runners were changed for the evening showdown, but the new quartet were denied gold in the closing strides.
They finished in 2:57.83, officially taking silver by just two thousandths of a second ahead of South Africa, who were given the same time.
Kebinatshipi anchors dramatic close
Botswana’s triumph was sealed by 21-year-old Collen Kebinatshipi, fresh from his individual 400m victory. Running a sensational anchor leg, Kebinatshipi powered past the Americans on the home straight to secure a landmark win that underlined Botswana’s growing presence in world athletics.
Athletics World Championships organisers confirmed the times and photo-finish margins, highlighting the razor-thin difference between silver and bronze. The result, reported by World Athletics cements Botswana’s place in history and provides a defining moment for African sprinting.
