In a stunning turn of events at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Botswana's 4x400m relay team clinched the gold medal, marking a historic first for an African nation in this event. The race, held on September 21, 2025, saw the Botswana quartet edge out the United States in a thrilling finish, with South Africa taking the bronze. The victory was secured by a dramatic anchor leg from Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, the newly crowned 400m world champion, who overtook American star Rai Benjamin in the final moments. The Botswana team, composed of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Kebinatshipi, finished with a time of 2:57.76, narrowly beating the United States' 2:57.83.
The American team had a chaotic qualification, which forced them into a solo re-run. Despite leading at the final changeover with Rai Benjamin anchoring, they couldn't hold off Kebinatshipi's remarkable surge. South Africa also finished with a time of 2:57.83, but settled for bronze.
Meanwhile, India's absence from the podium was keenly felt, continuing a medal drought at the World Athletics Championships. The Indian 4x400m relay teams, both men's and mixed, had earlier failed to qualify for the championships at the World Athletics Relays 2025 in Guangzhou. The teams finished fifth and seventh in their respective heats, missing the chance to secure early qualification for Tokyo 2025.
At the FISU World University Games 2025, the Indian mixed 4x400m relay team finished fourth. The men's 4x400m relay team finished fifth at the same event.
The absence of the Indian team in the finals at Tokyo is a noticeable change compared to previous years. At the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships, India had six or seven athletes in the finals, including the men's 4x400m relay team. In Tokyo 2025, only three athletes reached the finals.
Botswana's victory is a significant milestone for African athletics, showcasing the continent's growing strength in track and field. Kebinatshipi, who had already won individual 400m gold at the championships, demonstrated exceptional speed and composure under pressure. His teammate Bayapo Ndori, who added bronze, further contributed to Botswana's success. The challenging conditions of heavy rain added to the drama of the race.
