Busang Collen Kebinatshipi earned Botswana its first-ever world title by clinching gold in the men’s 400m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Thursday, Afrosport report.
The 21-year-old followed his blistering performance in the semifinals, with a lightning quick display in the final, clocking a new national record of 43.53 seconds to emerge victorious under wet conditions at the Japan National Stadium.
Trailing Kebinatshipi was Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago, with the 31-year-old finishing in a personal best of 43.72s to claim silver.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Bayapo Ndori crossed the finish line in 44.20s, clinching the bronze medal to ensure another podium finish for Botswana.
Jamaica’s Rusheen McDonald could not keep up in the closing stages, settling for fourth in 44.28s. He finished ahead of South Africa’s Zakithi Nene (44.55), who led the world coming into the tournament in Tokyo.
Home favourite, Yuki Joseph Nakajima, clocked 44.62s to finish sixth, Amerivan Jacory was seventh in 44.70, while Botswana’s Lee Bhekempilo Eppie came eighth in 44.77.
