The Botswana men’s 4x400m relay team clinched a historic victory at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024, marking a triumphant redemption and securing their spot at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.
This victory, clocking in at a world-leading 2:59.11, was not only a testament to their dominance on the track but also a dramatic comeback from their disqualification at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.
The finals on Sunday saw Italy initially taking the lead thanks to a robust start by Luca Sito. However, Botswana quickly turned the tables as Busang Collen Kebinatshipi took over the baton.
Following a powerful first leg, the momentum was further boosted by world 100m silver medallist Letsile Tebogo, who ran a phenomenal 43.72-second split.
Tebogo’s performance was particularly stirring, effectively erasing the setback of the previous year and placing Botswana firmly in the lead.
Maintaining this lead, Leungo Scotch fought hard on the third leg, keeping at bay the strong contenders from South Africa, who were embroiled in a fierce contest with Japan and the world indoor champions, Belgium.
The final leg was a display of sheer determination as Bayapo Ndori anchored the Botswana team with a solid 44.13-second split, ensuring the gold with their impressive finish.
The South African team, led by Lythe Pillay on the final leg, managed to secure the second place in 3:00.75, narrowly edging out Belgium, who took bronze in 3:01.16.
Belgium’s Jonathan Sacoor and Japan, who finished a close fourth at 3:01.20, showed commendable effort but couldn’t match the pace set by Botswana.
For finishing second, South Africa also secured their ticket to the Olympic games.
This year’s World Relays also highlighted notable absences and disqualifications that shaped the final outcomes. The United States, traditionally a powerhouse in relays, was conspicuously missing from the final after being disqualified in the heats for a lineup infringement.
This misstep allowed other nations to shine, including Botswana, whose victory was all the more symbolic given their previous disqualification.
Further adding to the drama, Olympic host nation France faced a setback when key athlete Thomas Jordier sustained an injury, missing out on a chance to clinch an Olympic spot directly through these relays.
However, the race for Olympic qualification remains open, with more opportunities for teams to secure their place based on performances in the qualifying window.
The victory was a monumental moment for Botswana, marking their first win in a men’s sprint relay at the World Relays.
It was a performance that resonated well beyond the track, with the World Athletics Instagram page celebrating their victory and fans from across the globe pouring in their congratulations.
The jubilant scenes captured the essence of the relays: intense competition, national pride, and the unifying spirit of athletics.
As Botswana revels in their historic win, the road to Paris looks promising. With the likes of Tebogo and Ndori in formidable form, the Paris Olympics could well see Botswana rising as a significant force in track and field, building on their spectacular performance in Nassau.
Their journey from disqualification to world leaders is not just a testament to their resilience but also a beacon of inspiration for athletes and nations aiming for Olympic glory.
