In a thrilling turn at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the Botswana men’s 4×400m team denied the USA a historic relay sweep, clinching their first global relay title by the slimmest of margins.
Earlier on Sunday, American sprinters stamped their authority in the men’s 4×100m final. Christian Coleman, Kenny Bednarek, Courtney Lindsey, and Noah Lyles powered home in a world-leading 37.29 seconds, leaving Canada (37.55 SB) and the Netherlands (37.81 NR) in their wake.
But the 4×400m final delivered a nail-biter. Vernon Norwood, Jacory Patterson, Khaleb McRae, and Rai Benjamin crossed the line in a season-best 2:57.83, only to find themselves 0.07 seconds adrift of Botswana’s quartet of Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi. South Africa rounded out the podium with bronze.
For Botswana, the victory is more than a medal—it’s a milestone that spotlights the nation’s rising sprint talent on the world stage. For Team USA, it’s a reminder that in relays, every split second counts.
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Botswana prevent American relay sweep at World Athletics Championships
cgtn.com
