Collen Kebinatshipi’s Diamond League dream gathers speed after a blistering Paris win that keeps him firmly in the title hunt.
GAZETTE REPORTER
Reigning world 400m champion Collen Busang Kebinatshipi’s quest for a maiden Diamond League title remains firmly on track after another explosive performance at the Paris Diamond League in France over the weekend.
PARIS STATEMENT
The 22-year-old sprint sensation stormed to victory in the men’s 400m, clocking an astonishing 43.54 seconds to set a new Diamond League record.
The remarkable performance also saw Kebinatshipi become the first athlete in Diamond League history to run such a fast time over 400m, further cementing his status as one of the world’s top quarter-milers. South Africa’s Zakithi Nene finished second, while American Chris Bailey settled for third, with both athletes recording personal best times in a race widely regarded as one of the fastest 400m contests in Diamond League history.
TITLE CHASE
The Paris triumph marked Kebinatshipi’s second Diamond League victory of the season. He opened his campaign on a high note at the Xiamen Diamond League in China in May, where he produced a then world-leading time of 43.92 seconds to claim another convincing victory.
The Hukuntsi-born runner has won almost every major title available to him, including historic double gold in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the 2025 World Championships, gold in the 4x400m at the World Relays and silver in the 4x400m at the Olympics. The Diamond League trophy remains the major prize missing from his cabinet.
FAST LIMITS
Speaking after his victory in Paris, Kebinatshipi admitted that he had not expected such a fast race but was delighted that his hard work was producing outstanding results.
“It’s amazing to run that fast. I didn’t expect such a fast race, and I certainly wasn’t expecting that time this early in the season. This year is all about enjoying myself and challenging my limits so I can bring out the best in myself. I’m happy that my hard work is paying off, and all I want now is consistency as the season progresses,” he said.
CALM FOCUS
Kebinatshipi further revealed that his focus remains on getting into the best possible shape ahead of two upcoming major championships.
“I have the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in September and the World Championships early next year, where I will be defending my title. My approach is to take each race as it comes without putting myself under pressure. I’m not chasing records; my priority is to become fit and better with every race,” he added.
Kebinatshipi currently sits second in the Diamond League standings after two races, behind Nene, who has competed in four meetings this season. His next race will be the Eugene Diamond League in the United States on 4 July, where he will continue his pursuit of a first Diamond League title.