Collen Kebinatshipi: Botswana sprinter eyes 400m world record after Tokyo gold

Kebinatshipi underlined his talents when he ran a personal best – and a world lead time – of 43.61s in the semi-finals.

His compatriots Lee Bhekempilo Eppi and Bayapo Ndori also made it through to the 400m final, but Kebinatshipi was comfortable knowing that the attention would be on him.

“Coming [in] to the final, everyone knew that I was the favourite,” he said.

“I didn’t want to disappoint my coach. I didn’t want to change any race plans that I used on the semis.

“I applied the same strategy and I knew if I do the same thing I did on the semis, I’m going to get a gold.”

And, after sealing top spot on the podium, Kebinatshipi celebrated with push-ups inside a soggy National Stadium to pay homage to compatriot Isaac Makwala, who was part of the Botswana relay team which won 4x400m bronze at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Makwala famously first performed push-ups on a rainy track to prove his fitness after having to compete solo in the 200m heats at the 2017 World Championships, having controversially been denied his place in the 400m final after a norovirus outbreak in London.

“Honestly, I was really exhausted but I kept my promise to my role model Isaac,” said Kebinatshipi.

“I told him ‘If I win this race, I’m going to dedicate this celebration to you’ because he used to do the celebration during his time.

“The little energy that was left, I used it for the push-ups.”

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