分类： sports

Botswana has made history by becoming the first African nation to win the men’s 4×400 meters relay at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. In recognition of this monumental achievement, President Duma Boko has declared Monday, 29 September, a public holiday, coinciding with the eve of the country’s Independence Day. The victorious team, comprising Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, triumphed over the United States, the reigning champions of the past decade, in a thrilling rain-soaked race. South Africa secured the third position. President Boko, addressing the nation from New York where he is attending the UN General Assembly, lauded the athletes as ‘Botswana’s natural diamonds,’ emphasizing their role in elevating the nation’s global stature. This victory marks Botswana’s best-ever performance in the championship, with the country securing fifth place overall in the medal standings, behind the US, Kenya, the Netherlands, and Canada, with two golds, one silver, and a bronze. This achievement follows last year’s historic moment when Letsile Tebogo clinched Botswana’s first Olympic gold in the men’s 200 meters in Paris, a feat that was celebrated with a half-day holiday and a grand reception at the National Stadium in Gaborone. President Boko described the current victory as ‘electric,’ underscoring its significance in Botswana’s rising prominence on the world stage.

Kenya celebrated a triumphant double victory at the 2025 Berlin Marathon, with Sabastian Sawe clinching the men’s title and Rosemary Wanjiru securing the women’s crown. Sawe, 30, showcased his exceptional endurance and speed, finishing the race in 2:02:16, marking his third consecutive marathon win. The Kenyan athlete, fresh from his victory at the London Marathon earlier this year, set a blistering pace, leaving his competitors trailing behind. He was accompanied by his pacesetters for much of the race, demonstrating his dominance in long-distance running. Japan’s Akasaki Akira secured second place, nearly four minutes behind Sawe, while Ethiopia’s Chimdessa Debele rounded out the podium in third. Reflecting on his performance, Sawe expressed satisfaction, stating, ‘I did my best and I am happy for this performance. I felt well, but you cannot change the weather. Next year will be better.’ Sawe had aimed to challenge Kelvin Kiptum’s 2023 world record of 2:00:35, reaching the halfway mark in 1:00:12, but couldn’t sustain the pace towards the end. In the women’s race, Wanjiru surged ahead after 25 kilometers, finishing in 2:21:05. Ethiopia’s Dera Dida followed closely, just three seconds behind, with Azmera Gebru taking third place in 2:21:29. Wanjiru’s time, while impressive, was 12 minutes slower than compatriot Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record of 2:09:56, set in Chicago in 2024. The Berlin Marathon once again highlighted Kenya’s prowess in marathon running, with Sawe and Wanjiru delivering standout performances.

Luca Zidane, the 27-year-old goalkeeper and son of legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane, has officially changed his international allegiance from France to Algeria. The decision, approved by FIFA, marks a significant shift in Zidane’s career and could pave the way for him to represent Algeria in the 2026 World Cup. Born just outside Marseille, Luca had previously represented France at various youth levels but now qualifies for Algeria through his father’s heritage. Zinedine Zidane’s parents hailed from the Kabylie region of Algeria, providing Luca with the eligibility to make the switch. Currently playing for Granada in Spain’s second tier, Luca has had a varied career, including brief stints at Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. His move to Algeria comes as the national team prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Somalia next month, with hopes of securing a spot in the 2026 finals in North America. Luca is the second of four brothers, all of whom trained at Real Madrid’s academy, continuing the Zidane family’s legacy in football. His father, Zinedine, is celebrated as one of the game’s greatest players, famously scoring twice in France’s 1998 World Cup final victory over Brazil. Luca’s decision to represent Algeria adds a new chapter to the Zidane family’s storied football history.

The 2025 UCI Road World Championships, set to begin in Rwanda on Sunday, represent a monumental milestone for African cycling. For the first time since the event’s inception in 1921, the prestigious competition will be held on African soil, with Kigali’s BK Arena serving as the starting point for the women’s individual time trial. This historic moment underscores the growing influence of African cyclists on the global stage. Among the standout competitors is Kim Le Court from Mauritius, who earlier this year became the first African to wear the leader’s yellow jersey in the Tour de France Femmes. Le Court expressed her excitement, stating that competing in Africa’s inaugural World Championships is ‘really special’ and a testament to the potential of riders from smaller nations. The event will feature 13 races across time trials and road races, with gender parity and three age categories: junior, Under-23, and elite. Rwanda’s selection as host in 2021 prompted African cycling federations to intensify their efforts in nurturing young talent, with around 150 professional cyclists from the continent now competing at the highest levels. However, Rwanda’s challenging terrain, characterized by its ‘land of a thousand hills,’ may pose difficulties for some riders, including Eritrea’s Biniam Girmay, Africa’s top male cyclist. Despite his sprinting prowess, Girmay acknowledges the grueling nature of the men’s road race, which includes over 5,500 meters of climbing. Nevertheless, he remains committed to supporting his national team and inspiring the next generation of African cyclists. The event is expected to draw massive crowds, with Rwanda’s passion for cycling evident in the annual Tour du Rwanda, which attracts over one million spectators. Despite security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in neighboring DR Congo, the UCI confirmed the event would proceed as planned. UCI President David Lappartient emphasized the importance of uniting the global cycling community in Africa, while Kimberly Coats of Team Africa Rising highlighted the potential for long-term investment in the sport. For young African riders, the championships offer a platform to showcase their talent and attract development opportunities. Ethiopia’s Tsige Kahsay Kiros, an 18-year-old junior competitor, is among those making waves after her impressive performance at the Tour de l’Avenir. As the event unfolds, it promises to leave a lasting legacy, firmly placing African cycling on the global map.