Tokyo 2025: Botswana Dusts USA to Win Historic 4×400m Gold

Botswana made history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo by defeating the United States to clinch gold in the men’s 4×400 metres relay — the first time an African nation has ever won the event on the global stage.

The Botswana quartet of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi ran a superb race to clock 2:57.76, edging out the American team, who finished in 2:57.83.

South Africa also crossed the line in 2:57.83 but, after a dramatic photo finish, had to settle for bronze.

The race, held under rainy and challenging conditions, lived up to its billing as one of the most competitive of the championships. The decisive moment came in the anchor leg when Kebinatshipi, who had earlier won gold in the individual 400m, surged past USA’s Rai Benjamin to seal the historic victory.

Speaking after the race, Kebinatshipi described the triumph as a proud moment for his nation, noting that the team had worked tirelessly to prove that African athletes could compete at the very top of the relay event.

For Botswana, this victory is more than just a medal. It marks a turning point in African sprinting history, breaking decades of American dominance in the men’s 4×400m and inspiring a new generation of runners across the continent.

The narrow margins between the top three teams highlighted the intensity of the contest. Just 0.07 seconds separated gold from silver, while South Africa missed out on silver by the slimmest of photo-finish decisions.

Botswana’s feat has been widely celebrated across Africa, with athletics enthusiasts hailing it as a landmark achievement that cements the country’s rising status in the global 400m discipline.