The 2025 Wanda Diamond League season kicked off with a jaw-dropping upset in Xiamen as Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori stunned Olympic champion Kirani James in the men’s 400m, setting a new meet record.
From the moment the starting gun fired, it was clear that this race would be anything but predictable. Kirani James, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist and one of the most decorated 400m runners in history, was expected to challenge for victory. However, the young guns from Botswana had other plans.
Bayapo Ndori exploded out of the blocks with blistering speed, maintaining flawless form down the backstretch. By the time he hit the final bend, it was evident that James was in trouble. Ndori powered through the finish line in a spectacular 44.25 seconds, shattering the previous meet record.
Ndori wasn’t the only Botswanan making waves. His compatriot, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, delivered a strong performance to secure third place in 44.53 seconds, ensuring Botswana claimed two spots on the podium. Sandwiched between them was USA’s Christopher Bailey, who pushed Ndori to the limit with a personal best of 44.27 seconds but ultimately fell just short of gold.
Kirani James left searching for answers
For Kirani James, the race was a sobering reminder of the relentless progression of track and field. The Grenadian legend, known for his smooth running style and tactical brilliance, found himself outpaced by a new generation of speedsters. He crossed the line in fourth place with a time of 44.89 seconds, a respectable mark but far from his peak performances.
James, now 31, has been a mainstay in the 400m for over a decade, but this race raises questions about his ability to keep up with younger, hungier rivals. Will he bounce back stronger as the season progresses, or is this the beginning of a changing of the guard?
Behind the leading pack, Belgium’s Alexander Doom finished fifth in 44.92 seconds, narrowly edging out USA’s Vernon Norwood (45.03 seconds). South Africa’s Lythe Pillay (45.28 seconds) and Norway’s Håvard Bentdal Ingvaldsen (45.33 seconds) followed, while China’s Ailixier Wumaier rounded out the field in 46.15 seconds.
Bayapo Ndori’s victory in Xiamen has instantly elevated him to elite status in the 400m. If he maintains this form, he could become a serious threat at the Olympics. Meanwhile, Kirani James will need to regroup quickly if he hopes to reclaim his place among the world’s best.
