Kebinatshipi in no rush to chase world record
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday July 20, 2026 06:00
The South African set the mark at 43.03 secs at the Rio Olympics on August 14, 2016, but observers believe that long-standing mark could be under threat with the Botswana star emerging as the one likely to shatter it. Kebinatshipi kicked off his Diamond League circuit journey in Xiamen in May, where he clocked 43.92s. He then flew to Paris where he surged to victory, obliterating the Diamond League Record with a blazing 43.54s in June, which was his fastest run of the season.
Kebinatshipi arrived at Hayward Field in Eugene, where he handled the American threat, winning the race in 44s in July. He proved that he still had a lot in his tank when he captured his fourth Diamond League victory of the season in Monaco, where he stopped the clock in 43.44s. In the process, he set a new national record, Diamond League record and a meeting record. Kebinatshipi now moves up to position six on the all-time list, where he is tied with British athlete Matthew Hudson Smith.
His coach, Chilume 'Chippa' Ntshwarang, told MmegiSport that an attempt on the world record cannot be rushed, as it requires careful planning and preparation over a long period. Ntshwarang said they do not want to get excited and then fail to manage and preserve the promising signs. According to the coach, the athlete is at the recovery stage before they start another phase of the preparations. Kebinatshipi will be back on the circuit on August 23 in Silesia, Poland. When asked if a faster time should be expected during the Diamond League final, Ntshwarang explained that they are not aiming at fast times, but they want to be more consistent and have good performances. “During the Diamond League final, we just want to have a good performance; time will be a bonus,” he said.
Ntshwarang highlighted that his presence during Kebinatshipi’s races serves as motivation to the athlete, adding that when he is around, it makes their job easier. “It is an indication that he has grown as an athlete; he deserves that same treatment as other elite athletes from other countries who are always with their coaches and support staff. “We have reached a high level, and we must operate at that level,” Ntshwarang said.