Kebinatshipi Eyes 400m World Record After Tokyo Triumph

Botswana’s rising sprint star Collen Kebinatshipi sets his sights on breaking Wayde van Niekerk’s 400m record after his historic world title victory in Tokyo.

Collen Kebinatshipi has become one of athletics’ brightest young stars after storming to 400m gold in Tokyo, clocking an impressive 43.53 seconds the 10th-fastest time in history. The 21-year-old from Botswana now has his eyes on the ultimate target: breaking Wayde van Niekerk’s long-standing world record of 43.03 seconds, set during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Setting His Sights on History

Speaking about his ambitions, Kebinatshipi said he believes anything is possible with focus and good health. “Records are meant to be broken. If I stay focused and injury-free, everything is possible,” he said confidently. He expressed joy over his Tokyo performance, adding that running 43.5 seconds at his age is “something else.”

Botswana’s Golden Moment

Kebinatshipi’s triumph marked a historic moment for Botswana, making him the first man from his country to win a world title, following in the footsteps of Amantle Montsho, who captured the women’s 400m gold in 2011. His victory further cemented Botswana’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in track and field.

From Disappointment to Dominance

The young athlete’s Tokyo win came as a surprise even to him. After narrowly missing out on the Olympic final in Paris 2024, Kebinatshipi said his main goal had only been to make the final in Tokyo. “I didn’t have pressure to win a medal; I was just planning to start competing for medals at the 2028 Olympics,” he revealed. “So, things came early.”

A Record-Breaking Run

During the semi-finals, Kebinatshipi stunned the athletics world with a personal best and world-leading time of 43.61 seconds. That performance confirmed him as the favorite heading into the final. He maintained composure under pressure, sticking to his race strategy and ultimately delivering Botswana’s first men’s world championship gold.

Inspired by a Legend

After his victory, Kebinatshipi dropped to the wet Tokyo track to perform push-ups in tribute to his mentor and compatriot Isaac Makwala. Makwala made history in 2017 when he defied illness and ran solo at the World Championships. “I promised Isaac that if I win, I’ll dedicate my celebration to him,” Kebinatshipi shared. “The little energy left, I used it for the push-ups.”

Double Gold Glory

Kebinatshipi’s Tokyo adventure didn’t end with individual success. He also anchored Botswana’s 4x400m relay team alongside Lee Bhekempilo Eppi, Bayapo Ndori and 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo to another gold medal. The team edged out the United States and South Africa by just seven hundredths of a second in a thrilling finish.

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Botswana’s Pride Shines Bright

Botswana’s relay success is part of a growing legacy. The men’s team had already won gold at the World Athletics Relays and silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Upon their return home, they were greeted with massive celebrations, including a public holiday to honor their achievements. “It’s amazing. Everyone was happy,” said Kebinatshipi. “Now it shows my life is changing. This is just the start of what will happen in the next 10 years.”

Focused on the Future

Looking ahead, Kebinatshipi remains determined to stay grounded and focused as he continues his athletic journey. With his youth, discipline, and record breaking potential, many believe it’s only a matter of time before he challenges Van Niekerk’s legendary record and cements his name among the all-time greats of the 400m.

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