Botswana is expected to take up one or more podium places today as the trio of Collen Kebinatshipi, Bayapo Ndori, and Lee Bhekempilo Eppie compete in the 400m final at the World Athletics Championships.
The final is set for 3:10pm with Eppie running from lane four, whilst Kebinatshipi, who holds the World Lead, will start in lane five, whilst Ndori is in lane eight. Athletics coach, Lebone Moreri, said it is not going to be an easy final, but the athletes have picked form at a perfect time, even if they are to run again, they can still do wonders. “I foresee us winning the race with a world record; the rest will follow. I wish South Africa could settle for silver, followed by Kenya. My wish is to turn the world around and make Africa a 400m powerhouse,” he said.
The men's 400m world record is 43.03 seconds, set by South African athlete Wayde van Niekerk on August 14, 2016, at the Rio Olympics. Letsile Tebogo will be in the 200m semi-final at 2:09pm. He will be in heat two, running from lane six. Oratile Nowe kicks off her 800m campaign at 1:46pm in heat seven, running from lane seven. Tshepiso Masalela and Kethobogile Haingura continue their journey in the 800m semi-finals. Haingura will run in heat one, lane four at 3:45pm, whilst Masalela will be in action in heat three running from lane seven at 3:01pm.
