- Botswana’s 400m record holder enters Paris Wanda Diamond League as the fastest on season’s form, facing a stacked world-class field this Sunday
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana’s sprint sensation, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, the men’s 400m national record holder, and World Champion heads into the Paris Wanda Diamond League this Sunday (28 June 2026) as one of the fastest athletes this season. He has shown a steady upward trajectory across 2026, improving across both individual sprints and relay events.
He began his season on 08 March with a 100m time of 10.53, before delivering 44.55 in the 400m on 21 March. His form sharpened further in April, where he ran 9.89 in the 100m on 03 April, a time he matched later the same day, and recorded a 4x100m relay split of 39.18.
Elite Field
The men’s 400m entry list in Paris features a strong international lineup, including Chris Bailey (44.35 season’s best), Quincy Hall (45.52), Matthew Hudson-Smith (44.25), Muzala Samukonga (44.05), Zakithi Nene (44.40), Muhammad Abdallah Kounta (44.86) and Jereem Richards (44.87).
Kebinatshipi enters with a season’s best of 43.92 seconds, listed as the fastest among the competitors, underlining his growing status in the event ahead of a tightly contested race.
Relay Progress
His consistency extended into relay competition, helping Botswana to 2:57.52 in the 4x400m on 02 May, before improving to 2:54.47 the following day. He then capped the month with his strongest 400m performance of the season, clocking 43.92 on 23 May 2026.
The progression sets the stage for a high-level contest in Paris, scheduled for 18:03hrs in the men’s 400m.
Women’s 800m
Oratile Nowe will also compete in the women’s 800m, currently ranked 4th in the Wanda Diamond League standings with 9 points. She will be aiming to add more points and strengthen her position in the standings.