Botswana Gets Historic win, Records Scattered at World Relays
Last update: May 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
Thompson-Herah Leads Jamaica to Victory, Botswana makes history in relays,
Jamaica's Elaine Thompson-Herah ran a stunning anchor leg to secure victory in the women's 4x100 metres at the World Relays, while Letsile Tebogo inspired host nation Botswana to the second-fastest men's 4x400m time in history.
Thompson-Herah, took the baton from third-leg runner Lavanya Williams trailing Canada's Donna Ntambue by a couple of metres but powered through the final straight to overhaul her rival.
The five-time Olympic champion led Jamaica, also comprising Briana Williams and Jodean Williams, to victory in 42.00 seconds, with Canada finishing second in 42.17 and Spain third in 42.31.
Botswana capped two days of high-octane action in the capital with a dramatic win in the men's 4x400m relay.
Lee Bhekempilo Eppie gave the hosts a strong start before Tebogo, the reigning Olympic 200m champion, surged ahead but appeared to suffer an injury late in his leg, allowing South Africa's Lythe Pillay to seize the advantage.
World 400m bronze medallist Bayapo Ndori closed the gap on the third leg, chasing down South Africa's Leendert Koekemoer, setting up a tense final exchange.
Botswana's world champion Collen Kebinatshipi delivered on the anchor, breaking clear of South Africa's Zakithi Nene in the closing stages to win in 2 minutes 54.47 seconds, just 0.18 seconds shy of the long-standing world record set by a U.S. team in 1993 featuring Michael Johnson.
In the men's 4x100m, the United States held off South Africa, with anchor Pjai Austin fending off a late charge from Akani Simbine to win in 37.43 seconds.
The U.S. team, missing leading names including Noah Lyles, featured Ronnie Baker, Max Thomas and Lance Lang, with qualification spots for next year's World Championships in Beijing and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest at stake.
Jamaica also set a world record in the mixed 4x100m relay, with Ackeem Blake, Tina Clayton, Kadrian Goldson and Tia Clayton clocking 39.62 seconds.
They had already broken the 40-second barrier in Saturday's heats, posting 39.99 seconds.
In the mixed 4x400m relay, the United States quartet of Bryce Deadmon, Paris Peoples, Jenoah McKiver and Bailey Lear won in 3:07.47, with Jamaica finishing second.
Norway claimed the women's 4x400m title, as Henriette Jaeger produced a strong anchor leg to secure victory in 3:20.96 ahead of Spain and Canada.
