The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo produced its fair share of surprises, but none more memorable than the rise of Collen Kebinatshipi. At just 21 years old, the tall and fluid sprinter from Botswana stormed to victory in the men’s 400 meters, clocking a blistering 43.53 seconds to claim gold and etch his name into history.
Kebinatshipi’s performance was more than just fast; it was a display of composure, maturity, and belief. Heavy rain made the final unpredictable, yet the young Botswanan held his rhythm even as rivals closed in down the home stretch. His national record-breaking win not only placed him 10th on the all-time list but also signaled the arrival of a new sprinting powerhouse.
A Career Built on Relays and Growth
Before his solo breakthrough, Kebinatshipi made his mark in relays. He was part of the Botswana squad that captured gold at the 2021 World U20 Championships and later played a pivotal role in the 4x400m team that earned a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. These experiences sharpened his skills and prepared him for the pressure of global stages.
His steady rise continued into the 2025 season, where consistent podium finishes across Diamond League meetings in Shanghai, Xiamen, and Rome showcased his ability to compete against the very best. By the time Tokyo arrived, he was no longer just a rising prospect but a genuine contender.
Leading Botswana’s Golden Generation
Kebinatshipi’s success reflects a wider revolution in Botswana athletics. Alongside sprint sensations Letsile Tebogo and Bayapo Ndori, he is part of a generation redefining the nation’s sporting identity. The fact that three Botswanan athletes lined up in the 400m final in Tokyo underlines the country’s growing presence on the global stage.
At just 21, Kebinatshipi already embodies the traits of a leader confidence, resilience, and ambition. His 43.53-second run is more than a world title; it is a statement that Botswana has arrived as a sprinting nation. For fans, it marks the dawn of a new era one where the name Collen Kebinatshipi could dominate the 400m for years to come.
