Botswana stun US in historic 4x400m relay triumph at World Athletics Championships

THE FINAL day of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo delivered high drama, with Botswana stealing the show by winning the men’s 4x400m relay and becoming the first African team to claim the title.

Botswana’s dramatic finish

The men’s final was held in pouring rain, with the United States only just making it into the race after a chaotic qualification that forced them into a solo re-run on Sunday morning.

The US led at the last changeover, with Rai Benjamin anchoring their hopes. But Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, the newly crowned 400m world champion, produced a stunning final leg. He reeled in Benjamin on the line to secure gold in 2:57.76.

The US, who had changed all four runners from their morning re-run, were edged into silver in 2:57.83. South Africa, anchored by Zakithi Nene, matched the Americans’ time but settled for bronze by thousandths of a second. Great Britain finished sixth in 3:03.05.

US women dominate 4x400m

While the men’s race ended in shock, the US women produced a clinical display to secure their 11th world title in the 4x400m.

Isabella Whittaker, Lynna Irby-Jackson, Aaliyah Butler, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone all came in fresh for the final, storming to gold in a championship record of 3:16.61. 

Jamaica claimed silver in 3:19.25, and the Netherlands, anchored by Femke Bol, took bronze in 3:20.18.

The United States also completed a golden double in the 4x100m relays. Melissa Jefferson-Wooden became only the second woman after Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to secure the sprint treble, adding relay gold to her 100m and 200m titles. 

The US women defended their 4x100m crown in 41.75.

Other standout results

Elsewhere, Kenya’s Lilian Odira shocked the field in the 800m, winning in 1:54.62 and breaking the oldest championship record.

Germany’s Leo Neugebauer took the decathlon with a season’s best of 8804. Cole Hocker of the US rebounded from his 1,500m disqualification to win the 5,000m crown.

In the high jump, Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers cleared 2.00m to claim her first outdoor world title on countback.