Botswana Hosts Africa's First World Athletics Relays

After 12 years of World Athletics Relays happening everywhere but Africa, Botswana just changed that story in the most spectacular way possible.

The southern African nation hosted the continent's first ever World Athletics Relays on May 2-3, 2026, and didn't just show up. They showed out, delivering a world-class event at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone that had World Athletics president Sebastian Coe calling it a historic moment for the sport.

The home team made the weekend unforgettable by snatching gold in the men's 4x400m relay final. Lee Eppie, Bayapo Ndori, Letsile Tebogo, and Collen Kebinatshipi powered through the race in a championship record time of 2:54.47, beating defending champions South Africa as the crowd erupted in celebration.

South Africa's relay teams still had plenty to celebrate despite losing their titles. Their 4x100m team set an African record of 37.49 seconds while claiming silver, just behind the United States who finished in 37.43 seconds.

The 4x400m squad also grabbed silver with a national record time of 2:55.07, pushed to their limits by the electric atmosphere and home crowd energy.

The Ripple Effect

This event means far more than medals and records. For decades, Africa has produced some of the world's greatest athletes but rarely hosted the sport's biggest moments.

"The history of athletics in this continent is in large part the history of world athletics in the last half century," Coe said. He emphasized that bringing the championships to Africa demonstrates the continent has truly come of age.

The stadium filled with passionate fans wearing Botswana's light blue colors, creating an atmosphere that inspired athletes from around the globe. Young people in the stands witnessed their heroes compete at the highest level, right in their own backyard.

Botswana's rising status as an athletics powerhouse, led by stars like Tebogo and Kebinatshipi, shows what's possible when talent meets opportunity and support.

South Africa's coach Werner Prinsloo focused on the future, blending experienced runners with young talent who could carry the teams through the 2028 Olympics and beyond. Despite missing some injured stars from their 2025 championship team, the squads delivered impressive performances that set new benchmarks.

Africa didn't just host a track meet; it proved it belongs at the center of global athletics, inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.