Kebinatshipi remains a quarter miler - despite early successful exploits in the 100m dash
Botswana’s sprint sensation, Collen Kebinatshipi has set tongues wagging after a blistering start to his 2026 season, but his coach has moved swiftly to clarify that the athlete’s recent exploits in the 100m are part of a broader plan, not a shift in focus.
The 22-year-old, who is the reigning world champion in the 400m, recently clocked an eye-catching 9.89 seconds in the 100m at the Orange National Championships in Gaborone, over the weekend, firmly placing himself among the world’s elite sprinters.
According to his coach, Chilume Ntshwarang, Kebinatshipi’s participation in the shorter sprint was purely strategic as it is always the case with athletes to improve a certain component.
“He did well, but the 100m was to check another component of our preparation, especially speed work. It helps us assess how far we are and how to plan going forward,” Ntshwarang explained.
Despite the growing excitement around his versatility, the message from his coach is loud and clear that the 400m remains the main event for the double world champion.
Kebinatshipi opened his season with a solid 44.55 seconds in the 400m a few weeks back, at the Twin Towers Classic Meet in Francistown, reinforcing his status as the world’s top-ranked one-lap runner.
However running a sub-10 over the weekend is a significant milestone in sprinting, and for Kebinatshipi, it signals rapid progression. “Running sub-10 means a lot. It shows he has progressed well, but we must manage him carefully so he doesn’t peak too early,” his coach said.
His 9.89 performance not only stands as the fastest time in the world so far this season but also places him in an exclusive class of athletes who have broken 10 seconds in the 100m and 44 seconds in the 400m, a rare combination of speed and endurance.
Despite already achieving remarkable success, including a world title in the 400m with a national record of 43.53 seconds in 2025, the coach insists Kebinatshipi is far from his peak.
“We are not focusing on whether he is at his prime. Our plan is to remain simple, follow the basics, and not disturb the process,” he said.
Born in Hukuntsi, Kebinatshipi has risen rapidly through the ranks, from junior success to global dominance, including relay medals and continental titles before his historic breakthrough on the world stage.
With his growing range, boasting personal bests of 9.89 (100m) and 43.53 (400m) questions have naturally arisen about whether he could attempt the sprint double or even triple in future.
However, his coach was cautious. “Doubling is not a joke, it is very difficult. We have to analyse deeply and make an informed decision. For now, the 400m is our core event, and the other races are there to complement his fitness.”
Kebinatshipi’s early-season performances have only heightened expectations as Botswana continues to assert itself as a sprint powerhouse.
While fans may dream of seeing him dominate across multiple distances, his camp remains grounded, focused on long-term success rather than short-term experimentation.