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In a race defined by precision, courage, and rising ambition, Kenya delivered a performance to remember at the World Athletics Relays 2026 in Gaborone. The quartet of Mercy Oketch, George Mutinda, Kevin Tonui, and Mercy Chebet combined brilliance and composure to clock an outstanding three minutes, nine point eight seven seconds, rewriting the African record in the mixed 4x400m relay.

It was more than just a fast race—it was a statement.

Team Kenya did not simply chase the clock; they reshaped expectations of African sprinting on the global stage. Their electrifying run secured second place in their heat, confidently advancing them to the final, while also sealing automatic qualification for the 2027 World Championships.

Though they crossed the line behind a dominant Great Britain & Northern Ireland squad, the significance of Kenya’s performance resonated far beyond the finishing order. This was a breakthrough moment—one that signaled a new era.

From the opening leg, Kenya showed intent. Oketch set the tone with a controlled yet aggressive start, keeping the team firmly in contention. Mutinda followed with discipline and balance, maintaining momentum under pressure. Tonui then injected raw power into the race, closing crucial ground before handing over to Chebet, who delivered a determined anchor leg to secure the historic result.

The achievement reflects a shifting identity in Kenyan athletics. Long revered for its dominance in distance running, the nation is now steadily building a formidable presence in sprint relays—an evolution underscored by this record-breaking display.

The mixed 4x400m relay continues to captivate with its blend of strategy, speed, and teamwork. In Gaborone, it offered Kenya the perfect stage to announce its arrival among the world’s elite.

Not a finish line, but a powerful warning—the final still awaits.

Jamaica delivered a performance of breathtaking precision at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, storming to a sensational world record of 39.99 seconds in the mixed 4x100 metres relay—while securing qualification for both the final and the 2027 World Championships.

Though it came in a qualifying heat, the run carried the authority of a championship-winning performance. Jamaica did not merely progress—they redefined the standard. In one explosive display, they confirmed their place in the final and, crucially, booked early qualification for the World Athletics Championships.

The execution was nothing short of elite. The mixed 4x100m, still a developing event, demands absolute clarity in timing and flawless baton exchanges between male and female athletes. Jamaica delivered with remarkable cohesion, their transitions smooth and their speed devastating from start to finish.

Stopping the clock at 39.99 at this stage of the competition sends a powerful message. It highlights not only their dominance but also the possibility that an even faster performance could emerge when medals are on the line.

With the mixed 4x100m set to make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, Jamaica’s run in Gaborone stands as a defining early benchmark in the event’s history. It reflects the nation’s enduring sprint legacy, now evolving into new formats with the same authority.

What was meant to be a step toward the final became something far greater—a record-breaking statement, a qualification secured, and a clear warning to the world.

All eyes now turn to the final, where Jamaica will look to transform early dominance into gold.

On the eve of a historic moment for Botswana’s sporting landscape, Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo stepped away from the glare of elite competition to focus on something far more enduring—the future of athletics.

In Gaborone, just hours before the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026, Tebogo joined a group of enthusiastic children for a vibrant Kids’ Athletics Day activation, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark occasion for the nation. The event not only celebrated the upcoming global spectacle but also launched a month-long worldwide initiative dedicated to engaging young people in sport.

The session unfolded as a lively blend of games, movement exercises, and relay-themed challenges, carefully designed to introduce children to athletics in an environment that prioritizes fun, inclusivity, and creativity. Laughter echoed across the field as the youngsters ran, jumped, and competed—not for medals, but for the sheer joy of movement.

For Tebogo, this was more than a ceremonial appearance. As an ambassador for World Athletics Kids’ Athletics Programme, he embraced the opportunity to connect directly with the next generation. His message was simple yet powerful: sport belongs to everyone, and dreams are valid regardless of circumstance.

“It’s all about the kids—it’s not about me,” Tebogo shared, reinforcing a perspective grounded in humility despite his global success. “What I do is for them. Many don’t have the resources to pursue their ambitions, so I try to meet them halfway and help create opportunities.”

The initiative forms part of World Athletics’ broader mission to grow the sport from the grassroots level. The Kids’ Athletics programme, its flagship youth development platform, focuses on building fundamental movement skills in a safe and engaging setting, ensuring that children not only discover athletics but also develop physical confidence that extends beyond the track.

This vision was echoed by Sebastian Coe, who emphasized the programme’s wider impact. Beyond nurturing future champions, Kids’ Athletics equips children with essential physical literacy—skills that can support participation across a wide range of sports and promote lifelong health.

Delivered in collaboration with the Botswana Athletics Association, the Gaborone activation carried added significance. It marked a proud moment for the host nation as it prepares to welcome the world for its first-ever World Athletics Series event. Yet, amid the anticipation of elite relay battles, the spotlight briefly—and meaningfully—shifted to those just beginning their journey.

As the world’s fastest teams prepare to take center stage at the National Stadium, Tebogo’s presence among the children served as a reminder that greatness often begins in simple moments like these—on open fields, in shared laughter, and in the belief that anything is possible.

In Gaborone, the future of athletics is not just approaching—it is already in motion.

Kenya’s sprint king Ferdinand Omanyala is building something truly formidable. With a stunning sequence of performances—9.98, 9.96, and now 9.95 seconds—the African record holder is not just winning races; he’s sending a clear message to the global sprinting elite. This is no longer about isolated brilliance. This is consistency at the highest level, and it’s beginning to look dangerous.

Across three major meets—the Addis Ababa Grand Prix in Addis Ababa (9.98s), the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi (9.96s), and the Botswana Grand Prix in Gaborone (9.95s)—Omanyala has steadily sharpened his edge. Each race has been a step forward, a fraction faster, a statement louder. The progression isn’t accidental; it reflects precision training, growing confidence, and a sprinter peaking at just the right moment.

What makes this run particularly compelling is the ease with which Omanyala is dipping under the coveted 10-second barrier. In the world of sprinting, consistency at sub-10 is the ultimate currency of greatness. It separates contenders from champions. And right now, Omanyala is stacking performances like a man on a mission—calm, composed, and increasingly dominant.

Beyond the times, there’s a presence about him. Explosive out of the blocks, powerful through the drive phase, and composed at top speed, he looks every bit the complete sprinter. His latest 9.95 is not just a season highlight—it’s a warning shot. With each race, he’s tightening his grip on the title of Africa’s fastest man while positioning himself as a genuine global threat.

For Kenya, a nation long celebrated for distance running excellence, Omanyala represents a thrilling shift in narrative. He is rewriting expectations, proving that sprinting greatness can also rise from East Africa. And as the season gathers pace, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: if this trajectory holds, the world will soon have no choice but to reckon with him at the very top.

Sub-10 consistency isn’t just impressive—it’s ominous. And right now, Ferdinand Omanyala is trending exactly where he wants to be: faster, sharper, and closing in on something special.

American sprint star Gabby Thomas is set to headline one of the most exciting international appearances of the early athletics season, as she brings her world-class speed and star power to Africa for a three-meet tour in April.

Widely regarded as one of the finest 200m runners of her generation, Thomas arrives with a résumé that places her firmly among the sport’s elite. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she delivered a historic performance, clinching three gold medals in the 200m, 4x100m relay, and 4x400m relay—an achievement that cemented her dominance on the global stage. Her Olympic journey began earlier at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she captured bronze in the 200m and silver in the 4x100m relay, signaling the arrival of a future champion.

Beyond the Olympics, Thomas has consistently proven her pedigree. At the 2023 World Championships, she secured silver in the 200m and powered her team to gold in the 4x100m relay, further underlining her versatility and championship mentality. With a personal best of 21.60 seconds in the 200m—ranking her among the fastest women in history—she remains a formidable force every time she steps onto the track.

But Thomas’ brilliance extends beyond athletics. A graduate of Harvard University with a master’s degree in epidemiology, she represents a rare blend of elite sport and intellectual excellence. Her advocacy in public health and STEM continues to inspire a new generation, making her influence felt far beyond the finish line.

Her African tour will begin in Addis Ababa on April 18 at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, before moving to Nairobi on April 24 for the Kip Keino Classic—one of the continent’s premier track and field events. She will then conclude her tour in Gaborone on April 26 at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

Each stop promises high-level competition and a rare opportunity for African fans to witness one of the sport’s brightest stars in action. Her presence is expected not only to elevate the quality of racing but also to shine a global spotlight on Africa’s rapidly growing athletics scene.

As the countdown begins, anticipation is building across the continent. With her unmatched combination of speed, intelligence, and global appeal, Gabby Thomas is not just arriving to compete—she is arriving to inspire.

In a breathtaking display of raw speed and versatility, Collen Kebinatshipi stunned the athletics world by clocking a remarkable 9.91 seconds in the men’s 100m semifinals at the Botswana Athletics Championships in Gaborone.

Known globally as a world-class 400m specialist, Kebinatshipi’s explosive run over the shorter distance marked a defining moment in his career. This was not just a fast time—it was a historic breakthrough. With that performance, he became only the second athlete from Botswana to dip under the coveted 10-second barrier, following in the footsteps of sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo.

Even more impressively, Kebinatshipi now stands as the first man in 2026 to break the 10-second mark, setting an early benchmark for the global sprint season. Achieving such a feat in the semifinals only amplified the sense that something extraordinary was unfolding on home soil.

The race itself was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Kebinatshipi combined a composed start with a powerful drive phase before unleashing a devastating top-end speed that separated him from the field. His mechanics were sharp, his rhythm fluid—qualities rarely seen from athletes stepping outside their primary discipline.

This performance does more than rewrite personal bests; it reshapes perceptions. For an athlete already established as a 400m world champion, producing such elite speed over 100m signals a rare blend of endurance and acceleration. It opens the door to new tactical possibilities and raises the question of whether Botswana may soon witness a dual-threat sprint star at the highest level.

Beyond individual achievement, the moment carries national significance. Botswana’s sprinting legacy continues to rise, and Kebinatshipi’s run adds another powerful chapter to that story—one defined by ambition, progression, and global relevance.

As the championships continue, all eyes will remain fixed on Kebinatshipi. But regardless of what follows, his 9.91-second sprint has already secured its place in history—a performance that did not just win a race, but redefined potential.

In a surprising yet calculated move, the United States has announced it will not field men’s or women’s 4x400m relay teams at the 2026 World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana. The decision, confirmed by USA Track & Field, reflects a blend of logistical challenges, financial considerations, and a shifting competitive strategy in global athletics.

At the heart of the matter lies the difficulty of assembling top-tier relay squads outside major championship seasons. With elite athletes prioritizing individual events and carefully managing their schedules, securing a truly competitive “A team” has proven increasingly complex. Sending second-tier squads, while an option, carries both financial strain and reputational risk for a nation long synonymous with relay dominance.

The World Relays, scheduled for May 2–3 in Gaborone, serve as a crucial gateway to global championships. They act as the primary qualification pathway for both the 2026 World Ultimate Championships (mixed relays) and the 2027 World Championships, where only the top 12 teams per event advance. Despite their absence, USATF remains confident that its 4x400m teams can still secure qualification through world rankings—a route that rewards consistency across the season rather than a single high-stakes performance.

Beyond qualification implications, the decision alters the narrative of one of track and field’s most compelling rivalries. The anticipated rematch between the United States and Botswana in the men’s 4x400m relay will not materialize on Botswana soil. This comes after the two nations shared dramatic victories at the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 World Championships, delivering performances that electrified fans and elevated the event’s global profile.

For Botswana, the absence of the American team removes a formidable opponent but also shifts the spotlight. Competing at home, their athletes now carry heightened expectations to capitalize on familiar conditions and passionate local support. For the United States, meanwhile, the move underscores a longer-term vision—prioritizing peak performance at major championships over participation in every qualifying event.

Ultimately, this decision signals more than a withdrawal; it reflects an evolving philosophy in elite athletics. As the sport becomes increasingly strategic, even the most dominant nations are redefining how—and when—they compete. The ripple effects will be felt not only in Gaborone but across the global track and field landscape as the road to 2027 begins to take shape.

Vienna Marathon champion Magdalene Masai will battle Azmera Gebru at the Sevilla Marathon on Sunday even as the organizers promise to honor Kelvin Kiptum.

The organizers will observe a 42-second silence in respect to Kiptum, the world marathon record holder who died on Sunday in a road accident alongside his coach, Rwandese Gervais Hakizimana.

“Before the start of the marathon on Sunday, we will pay tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, the world record holder, and his coach, who died in a traffic accident. We will observe 42 seconds of silence, as many as kilometers of the race, in his memory,” the organizers said in a statement.

Masai won the Vienna Marathon in April last year in 2:24:12.

She also won the 2019 Toronto Waterfront Marathon in Canada (2:22:16) and was second at the Hasper Marathon in Hamburg, Germany, in 2:26:02.

The 31-year-old is also a 2015 World Challenge gold medallist in 3,000m steeplechase from Dakar, Senegal, where she clocked 9:31.55.

Joining her will be 2018 Paris Half Marathon champion Antonina Kwambai. She clinched the Paris title in 1:08:07.

Gebru, from Ethiopia, won silver during the 2011 World U-20 Cross Country Championships in Punta Umbria, Spain, clocking 18:54.

She is also an African U-20 champion in the 3,000m from the 2011 Africa Junior Championships in Gaborone, Botswana, clocking 9:11.84.

The duo will face stern competition from Spanish champion Meritxell Soler, the Cursa dels Nassos (Barcelona) 10km champion (32:37).

Leading the elite men’s race is defending champion Gadisa Shumie of Ethiopia who won last year’s edition in 2:04:59.

He will be up against 2019 Gran Canaria Marathon champion Julius Kiprono, 2023 Hannover Marathon bronze medallist Fredrick Kibii, Collins Kemboi and 2023 Zurich Marathon San Sebastian champion Benson Tunyo.

Sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki believes Kenya's 4x 400m (men) and 4x400 mixed relay teams can shoot to between positions 10 and 12 in the world rankings when they compete in Gaborone, Botswana, on Thursday.

The Kenyan teams are currently placed 16th on the World Athletics rankings. The mixed relay team has a time of 3:14.64 while the men's 4x400m team boosts of a 3:02.02 mark. Both times were set at Nyayo Stadium on June 24.

The contingent in Gaborone has Wiseman Were, Bonface Mweresa, Kennedy Kimeu and Zablon Ekwam in the 4x400m race while the mixed relays trialists include Ekwam, Kevin Tauta, Mercy Oketch, Maureen Thomas and Millicent Ndoro.

Mwaniki said the individual athletes are the best the country has to offer over the distances and expressed confidence they will deliver in Botswana.

"These are our best athletes and we hope they will do the country proud by cementing their place at the World Championships in Hungary," said Mwaniki.

The Kenya Prisons coach said the window for qualification closes on July 30 and the Botswana event presents a good opportunity for the team.

"We have a very good opportunity to improve our time before the deadline," he said.

 

The top 16 teams in the world by July 30 will head to Budapest.

He added that Kenya stands a good chance of medaling in the mixed relays.

"We won a bronze medal at the World Relays in Yokohama, Japan, four years ago and I believe our chances are very good in that regard," he said.

Mwaniki added that should Kenya make it to the 4x400m and mixed relay finals in Budapest, they will have qualified for next year's Olympic Games in Paris.

"This is a big incentive for us as a federation and team. They know what's at stake and if we attain better times in Gaberone, we will work very hard to ensure we make it to the final in Budapest," he noted.

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa is a probable member of the mixed relay team if they make it to Budapest.

"She is a strong athlete, especially over 400, and will be an asset to the side if we do qualify," he said.

African 800 meters champion Jarinter Mwasya and World Under-20 3,000m silver medalist Zena Jemutai are among 20 athletes suspended by the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) as the crisis in the country deepens.

Top sprinter Samuel Imeta is also among the list after allegedly testing positive for banned anabolic steroids in a meeting at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on February 24.

In that event in the 100m, he had clocked a surprising 9.94sec to finish second behind team-mate and African champion Ferdinand Omanyala.

World Athletics did not ratify the times in the race due to technical problems, but Imeta’s performance seemed to suggest Kenya had found another top sprinter after Omanyala.

It represented a major step up in form for Imeta, an officer in the Kenyan Army, after being knocked out in the semi-finals of the 100m at last year’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

He was a part of the Kenyan 4x100m quartet that clocked a national record of 38.26 at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event in Botswana’s capital Gaborone, which qualified them for this year’s World Championships in Budapest.

That performance will be wiped out if Imeta is found guilty of doping.

The samples of the 26-year-old Mwasya, winner of the 800m at last year's African Championships in Saint Pierre in Mauritius, tested positive for several banned substances, including blood boosting drug erythropoietin.

Mwasya also competed for Kenya at last year's World Athletics Championships in Eugene and the Commonwealth Games, but failed to reach the final at either event.

Jemutai tested positive for the prohibited substance triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid medication.

The 20-year-old had finished second at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi.

In March, she ran 31min 03sec for 10 kilometres to win the Villa de Laredo event in Spain. 

Others facing bans are Hannah Mwangi, winner of the 400m hurdles at the Kip Keino Classic, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting, and distance runner Agnes Mumbua, who finished first in the 15 kilometres du Puy en Velay in France in February.

The latest revelations again illustrate the depth of the doping problem in Kenya and casts doubts over the performances of other athletes from the country.

Last year, the country narrowly avoided a ban from international athletics after vowing to tackle the problem.

David Howman, chair of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), claimed they are committed to working with Kenya to ensure that happens.

Last month, the AIU held a strategy meeting in Nairobi with ADAK and Athletics Kenya, while also running an online education seminar for athletes from the country.

Athletics Kenya have pledged to being committed to the war against doping and are working with the AIU to launch an operation involving criminal investigators and medical authorities to identify and prosecute anyone involved.

The Kenyan Government has also provided $5 million (£4 million/€4.6 million) worth of funding as part of the country's commitment to cracking down on drug cheats.

Barely in her 20s, Kenya's track sensation Mary Moraa is already hogging the global limelight and stealing headlines at whim. 

The 2022 Commonwealth Games 800 metres gold medallist has rocked premier global athletics shows in recent years to deservedly cut herself a niche in the Hall of Fame. 

Fondly known as "The Kisii Express" by her dotting fans, Moraa has already claimed her space in the cutthroat world of athletics. Undoubtedly, the decorated track prodigy deserves every ounce of international acclamation.

Only recently, she set a new PB in April after storming to the 400m title at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in an astonishing time of 50.44. 

The sublime performance she pulled off in the blistering contest saw her smash her previous national record by 0.24 seconds, subsequently attaining the World Athletics Championships qualifying standards of 51.0 seconds.

"My previous 400m best was 50.67, which I attained at the Diamond League meeting in Brussels in September."

In Botswana, the two-lap specialists obliterated a stellar field that boasted Olympic and world finalist Candice McLeod of Jamaica, USA’s Kyra Jefferson, and the Botswana duo of Naledi Lopang and Thompang Basele. 

She breezed to victory ahead of South Africa’s Miranda Coetzee and McLeod who crossed the line in 51.13s and 51.17s respectively.

She rallied from behind to take the lead with 30m to go on her way to the winner's podium at the National Stadium, Gaborone.

Moraa smashed the national record when she won the Kenyan trials for World Championships and Commonwealth Games in 50.84 on June 25, last year at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.

Moraa, 23, has vowed to step into the big shoes of her role model Hellen Obiri, the middle and long-distance track sensation.

 "I've always admired Obiri. I grew up watching her clinch titles and her amazing performances have inspired me a great deal. To an extent, there is a part of her that lives in me. I just want to be exactly like her," Moraa said.

"To date, Obiri still inspires me a great deal and I'm eager to emulate her success on the international stage," she added. 

Indeed, Moraa has every reason to admire Obiri. She is the only woman to have won world titles in indoor track, outdoor track, and cross-country races. 

Notably, Obiri is a two-time Olympic 5000 metres silver medallist from the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she also placed fourth over the 10,000 meters.

 She is a two-time world champion, having claimed the 5000 m title both in 2017 and 2019 when she set a new championship record. 

Obiri also tucked away a bronze in the 1500 metres during the 2013 World Championships and a silver in the 10,000 m in 2022.

She won the 3000 meters race at the 2012 World Indoor Championships, claimed silver in 2014, and placed fourth in 2018. She romped to the 2019 World Cross Country title and triumphed in the 2023 Boston Marathon.

Moraa said she and Obiri share a lot in common. Besides being compatriots, Moraa is elated they hail from the same county.

 Coached by seasoned National Police athletics team gaffer Alex Sang, Moraa has her eyes firmly trained on a World Championship conquest in Budapest, Hungary later in the year.

She said she intends to run the 800m race at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August, adding that she is determined to breast the tape in under two minutes. 

Born on June 15, 2000, Moraa attended Nyangononi Primary School in Bassi Borabu, Kisii County where she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in 2014.

Her potential in athletics came to the fore at Nyangononi when she ran away with several titles in the sprints and middle-distance races.

 "I stamped authority in 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m and even shattered the 400m East Africa school games record in 2014," Moraa proudly recounted. 

Upon completing her studies, Moraa proceeded to Ibacho Secondary School in Kisii County but lasted there for only two years before transferring to Mogonga PAG Mixed secondary school where she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in 2018.

"While at Ibachi, I experienced difficulties paying my school fees and it was the principal who would chip in most of the time. Unfortunately, he got transferred from the school and I was left stranded. 

"I later joined Mogonga Mixed Secondary School, where I got a lot of support from the principal who also happened to be my coach."

An orphan from a disadvantaged background, Moraa got financial help from her school principal Aron Onchonga who paid all her school fees at Mogonga. Indeed, aside from affording her pertinent financial assistance, Onchong'a played a key role in honing her skills and carving her path to stardom. It was during her years in Mogonga that Moraa started jutting out her talons on the track.

 "I am grateful to the school administration and the Principal for the moral and financial support they gave me while there."

During my years in Mogonga, I wanted to remain a role model to the young girls who shied away from sporting activities. I was determined to train and participate in various activities even after completing school," said Moraa.

On Saturday afternoon in Baton Rouge, La., American Erriyon Knighton, who last year, at age 17, broke Usain Bolt’s junior sprint records, shattered his U20 world record in the 200m at the LSU Invite to become the fourth-fastest man in history over 200m. 

Knighton clocked 19.49 seconds, which is the fastest time recorded since the 2012 Olympics, where Usain Bolt clocked 19.32 at age 25. Knighton now only trails Bolt (19.19s), Yohan Blake (19.26s) and Michael Johnson (19.32s) on the all-time list.

The 18-year-old sprint star lowered his personal best and U20 record from 19.84 seconds, which he set at last year’s U.S.Olympic Trials. He went on to finish fourth in Tokyo, becoming the youngest U.S. male track and field runner to reach an Olympic final.

Knighton turned pro last year as a high school junior, signing a professional contract with Adidas. He is now the second-fastest American 200m runner after Johnson’s then-world record of 19.32 at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

He will next have his eyes on the U.S. Outdoor Championships in June and the World Championships in July, which are both in Eugene, Ore., where he ran his previous PB of 19.84 seconds last summer.

Another world U20 record was broken on Saturday at the Gaborone International Meet, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze meeting in Botswana. U20 world champion Letsile Tebogo became the first man from Botswana to break 10 seconds for 100m. The 18-year-old pulled away from an experienced international field to win in 9.96 seconds (+1.9m/s), taking 0.01 off Trayvon Bromell’s world U20 record of 9.97 set in 2014.

Ditiro Nzamani can hardly wait for September.

The 19-year-old 400m sprinter from Botswana could be heading to the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, after reaching the qualifying standard at the CAA Yaounde International Grand Prix in Cameroon on 20 July.

In what was his first race outside of Botswana, Nzamani won the 400m at Yaounde’s Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in 45.07, taking more than a second off his previous PB of 46.10 and beating Cameroon’s Sangou Tetndap and Martial Etoa.

“I am very happy,” said an ecstatic Nzamani, who had been trying without success all year to cover one lap of the track within 46 seconds.

“I was under pressure back home because all the good athletes are running 45 seconds, except me,” added Nzamani, who is now Botswana’s third fastest 400m runner in 2019.

Nzamani has improved with every race in 2019. He started his season back in February with 47.33 in Gaborone, then improved to 47.22 in April. At the Botswana Championships in May, he clocked 46.55 in the heats and 46.10 to win the ‘B’ final.

After a brief break from racing, he returned to competition last weekend in Yaounde where he achieved the World Championships qualifying mark.

Nzamani’s coach, Ipolokeng Ramatshaba, was bursting with pride.

“We are in the presence of a very talented young man,” said Ramatshaba. “It is easy to work with someone like Ditiro who has the desire to outdo himself. When you give him a programme, he follows it wholeheartedly and this is the result.

“He will be in Rabat in Morocco for the Africa Games in August and who knows, he may produce another personal best.

“Not many athletes from Botswana have qualified for the World Championships in Doha, so Ditiro may be entered into the books. There is still a lot of space for him at this point.”

Member federations will confirm their team selections nearer the time of the World Championships. In the meantime, Nzamani – whose role model is Bahamian Steven Gardiner – is already thinking about his other career goals.

“I want to be good enough to get into the Diamond League, just like other Botswanans before me,” he says. “If I get to run in the World Championships in Doha, my aim will be to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard.”

Vivian Cheruiyot and Mary Moraa as well as Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei and Kenya Wildlife Service director general John Waweru took part in the race that started and ended at the famous elephant ivory burning site.

The race initiated by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to popularise the sport was held concurrently in 24 major cities in six continents covering One Mile hence the Run24:1 race.

“It’s a great feeling to be part of this race that is being held for the first time in Kenya and at an iconic place. I have really enjoyed and interacted with both the old and the young,” said the 35-year-old Cheruiyot, who started representing the country at the age of 15. “I want to encourage everyone to start running.”

Cheruiyot said that she resumed training one week ago since finishing second at London Marathon on April 28, this year.

“I will in a week’s time unveil my next race,” said Cheruiyot, who hinted of taking a stab at the Berlin Marathon for the first time or making a second return at New York City Marathon where she finished second last year.

This year’s Berlin Marathon is due September 29 while the New York City Marathon is planned for November 3 this year.

Cheruiyot said she might have opted out of the World Championships planned from September 28 to October 6 this year in Doha, but her dream for the second Olympic victory is on.

“I want to work hard and make the 2020 Tokyo Olympics marathon team,” said Cheruiyot.

Moraa, whose focus is now on qualifying for the World Championships, said: “It should happen every year because it’s a wonderful event and we need it every year here in Kenya.”

The IAAF Run24:1 race was also held in three other African cities, namely Gaborone (Botswana), Yaoundé (Cameroon) and Rabat (Morocco).

In an unprecedented move, Diacore Gaborone Marathon (about 10 miles from the South African border) kicks off the year with a groundbreaking reward, calling on the fastest runners worldwide. It is with great enthusiasm that Diacore announces that 1 million pula ($105,000US) will be up for grabs for the first runner to complete the 42.2km Marathon in under 2 hours and 08 minutes. This is a monumental move as it will not only put the current Diacore Gaborone Marathon 42.2km record of 2 hours and 17 minutes into contention, but is also sure to attract elite runners from across the world.