Busang Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana took the gold medal in the men’s 400-meter final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Thursday, setting a world-leading national record of 43.53 seconds on a rain-soaked track at National Stadium.

Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago finished in second place with a national record of 43.72, while Kebinatshipi’s compatriot Bayapo Ndori was third with a season best of 44.20.

"This is my first title and it feels crazy," said Kebinatshipi. "Up until the semifinal I have been doubting myself. I had my struggles. But in the final, I had no fear. I wanted to go all out and see where I could go.