Collen Kebinatshipi Makes History: Botswana’s First Male World Champion in the 400m*
History was made at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo Japan today September 18th 2025 as Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana claimed the gold medal in the men’s 400 meters, setting a new national record and world-leading time of 43.53 seconds. Kebinatshipi dominated the race, taking the lead from the 150-meter mark and maintaining it all the way to the finish, leaving fellow Motswana athletes and world contenders trailing in his wake.
Kebinatshipi’s teammate Bayapo Ndori also delivered a remarkable performance, securing the bronze medal with a season-best 44.20 seconds, while Lee Eppie finished 8th in 44.77 seconds. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards took silver with a national record of 43.72 seconds, and South African favorite Nene was unable to keep pace with the flying Botswana duo. In less than a minute, Botswana had claimed two medals on the world stage.
This historic victory cements Botswana’s arrival in elite athletics, following the breakthrough of sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo. With Kebinatshipi blazing a trail in the 400m, all eyes will now turn to Botswana’s team in Sunday’s 4x400m relay, as the nation looks to continue its remarkable momentum.
Congratulations to Kebinatshipi, Ndori, and the entire Botswana team – all the glory goes to 🇧🇼!
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