When the curtain came down on the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, September 21, 2025, Africa stood tall on the global stage.
With breathtaking performances and historic victories, two nations, Kenya and Botswana, etched their names into the medal books, proving once again that the continent remains a powerhouse in track and field.
For Kenya, it was a championship to remember. The East African nation finished second overall on the medal table, collecting 11 medals in total: seven gold, two silver, and two bronze.
It was a performance that rivaled the country’s best showings in history and underscored its dominance in middle- and long-distance running.
World Athletics Championships: Botswana beats US to win historic 4x400m relay
Kenya’s charge was led by the incomparable Beatrice Chebet, who completed a stunning double by winning both the 5,000 metres and the 10,000 metres, showcasing her versatility and iron will.
Faith Kipyegon, already a legend, defended her crown in the 1,500 metres, further cementing her legacy as perhaps the greatest middle-distance runner of her generation.
Rising star Emmanuel Wanyonyi captured gold in the men’s 800 metres, while Faith Cherotich produced a championship record in the 3,000m steeplechase.
The women’s marathon belonged to Peres Jepchirchir, who stormed to gold in a dramatic race against Ethiopia, while Lilian Odira brought Kenya’s tally to seven with victory in the women’s 800 metres.
Kenya’s golden haul carried the weight of history: never before had the nation amassed so many golds at a single World Championships, a fact that electrified fans back home and across the continent.
But Africa’s story in Tokyo was not complete without Botswana, whose athletes lit up the sprints.
Busang Collen Kebinatshipi stormed to gold in the men’s 400 metres, running a blistering 43.53 seconds to set a national record.
Days later, he anchored his teammates, Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, and Bayapo Ndori, to a historic triumph in the men’s 4×400 metres relay
Botswana clocked 2:57.76 to become the first African nation ever to win the event at the World Championships.
Their two gold medals, plus a bronze, placed them fifth on the medal table, the highest finish in the country’s history.
Together, Kenya and Botswana’s exploits in Tokyo reminded the world of Africa’s enduring strength in athletics: Kenya in the endurance races, Botswana in the sprints.
For millions watching back home, these victories were more than medals; they were moments of pride, proof of potential, and sparks for the next generation of African champions.
FKA/EB
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