\n<\/p>\n
Kebinatshipi underlined his talents when he ran a personal best \u2013 and a world lead time – of 43.61s in the semi-finals.<\/p>\n
His compatriots Lee Bhekempilo Eppi and Bayapo Ndori also made it through to the 400m final, but Kebinatshipi was comfortable knowing that the attention would be on him.<\/p>\n
“Coming [in] to the final, everyone knew that I was the favourite,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I didn’t want to disappoint my coach. I didn’t want to change any race plans that I used on the semis.<\/p>\n
“I applied the same strategy and I knew if I do the same thing I did on the semis, I’m going to get a gold.”<\/p>\n
And, after sealing top spot on the podium, Kebinatshipi celebrated with push-ups inside a soggy National Stadium to pay homage to compatriot Isaac Makwala, who was part of the Botswana relay team which won 4x400m bronze at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics.<\/p>\n
Makwala famously first performed push-ups on a rainy track to prove his fitness after having to compete solo in the 200m heats<\/a> at the 2017 World Championships, having controversially been denied his place in the 400m final<\/a> after a norovirus outbreak in London.<\/p>\n “Honestly, I was really exhausted but I kept my promise to my role model Isaac,” said Kebinatshipi.<\/p>\n “I told him ‘If I win this race, I’m going to dedicate this celebration to you’ because he used to do the celebration during his time.<\/p>\n “The little energy that was left, I used it for the push-ups.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n