In heavy rain at Japan National Stadium on 17/9, Kebinatshipi became Botswana's new hero, crossing the finish line first in 43.53 seconds. This was the world's fastest 400m time in 2025 and a national record.

Kebinatshipi won Botswana's first-ever gold medal in a men's event at the world championships. The 21-year-old athlete also drew attention with his push-up celebration, showing he still had plenty of energy after the intense competition.

Kebinatshipi in the moment of winning the 400m final at the World Championships in Tokyo on 18/9. Photo: AFP

Kebinatshipi celebrates his victory with push-ups. Photo: AFP

In yesterday's dramatic race, Kebinatshipi was closely pursued by veteran Trinidad & Tobago runner Jereem Richards. Despite starting in the innermost, waterlogged lane, Richards set a national record of 43.72 seconds to take the silver medal.

Kebinatshipi's compatriot, 24-year-old Bayapo Ndori, finished third in 44.20 seconds, securing the bronze medal for Botswana.

"This is my first title and it feels crazy," Kebinatshipi shared. "After the semifinals, I started believing in myself. I just wanted to run faster, and winning the gold medal is a big, well-deserved reward. What's even better is setting a national record and the world's best time this season."

The 21-year-old also highlighted Botswana's athletics potential. "Having three athletes in the final shows that we are growing and really improving, not only for Botswana but also for Africa," he expressed.

The men's 400m final in Tokyo took place with several big names absent due to injuries or failing to qualify, such as reigning Olympic champion Quincy Hall (USA), world silver medalist Matt Hudson-Smith (Great Britain), and 2024 Paris Olympic champion Muzala Samukonga (Zambia). This gave the race a fresh look, and Kebinatshipi seized the opportunity to shine.

This was also the second time the USA failed to medal in the men's 400m at the world championships. The other rare instance occurred at London 2017, when Wayde van Niekerk (South Africa) won gold, Steven Gardiner (Bahamas) took silver, and Abdalelah Haroun (Qatar) claimed bronze.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins the women's 400m gold with a time of 47.78 seconds. Photo: AP

Yesterday's women's 400m final was also captivating, with a three-way battle between Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA), Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic), and Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain). The gap between the three medalists was only 0.41 seconds.

McLaughlin-Levrone showed her strength in the final stretch, finishing first in 47.78 seconds, breaking Paulino's Americas record and moving up to second in the all-time rankings. Paulino finished second in 47.98 seconds, marking the first time two women ran under 48 seconds in the same race. Naser won bronze with a time of 48.19 seconds.

The 2025 World Athletics Championships Tokyo took place from 13/9 to 21/9 at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. This was the third time Japan hosted this event, following Tokyo 1991 and Osaka 2007. This year's event attracted over 2,000 athletes from around 200 countries and territories, competing in 49 events.

Compiled by Hong Duy