Botswana claimed a stunning men’s 4x400m relay world title, defying torrential rain and the might of the United States to win in 2:57.76.
When US anchor Rai Benjamin – the 400m hurdles champion – entered the home straight with a two-metre lead, another American gold looked inevitable. South Africa pressed hard on the outside through Zakithi Nene, while Olympic silver medallists Botswana seemed set for bronze.
But Collen Kebinatshipi, the newly crowned individual 400m champion, produced a breathtaking late surge, gliding between Benjamin and Nene to secure Botswana’s first global relay gold. The USA were edged into silver by just two-thousandths of a second, sharing 2:57.83 with South Africa.
Botswana’s victory was built on inspired running throughout. Second-leg star Letsile Tebogo – 200m Olympic champion and part of the team that won silver in Paris – clocked a blistering 44.05 to pull level with Jacory Patterson. Bayapo Ndori, the 400m bronze medallist, kept them in contention before handing over to Kebinatshipi for the decisive finish.
The quartet’s celebrations were led by Tebogo, who danced joyfully through puddles with his teammates in scenes reminiscent of Singin’ in the Rain.
The USA, who had to qualify via a run-off after a poor heat performance, were denied a 10th title in 11 editions. South Africa, inspired by Wayde van Niekerk’s third-leg run, settled for bronze. Belgium finished fourth in 2:59.48, ahead of Qatar (3:01.64) and Great Britain (3:03.05).
