Botswana’s 400m sensation Bayapo Ndori continues to make waves in the 2025 season, proving himself as one of the most exciting quarter-milers in the world.
Fresh off a thrilling victory at the Xiamen Diamond League, where he clocked a meeting record of 44.25 seconds, Ndori has set his sights on an even bigger prize.
A Breakthrough Season
In his lastest win in Xiamen he edged out USA’s Christopher Bailey (44.27) and compatriot Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (44.59) in a tightly contested finish. Even more impressive was the 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James, who finished fourth in 44.89.
Ndori expressed surprise at his rapid progress.
“The race was well. The weather conditions were very wonderful. I am so surprised—I never thought I would run this fast.”
Dominating the Track
Ndori’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. Earlier in the season, he defeated Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo twice—first at the ASA Grand Prix 1 in South Africa (44.59s) and then at the Maurie Plant Meet in Australia (45.14s). These victories have solidified his status as Botswana’s next big track star, following in the footsteps of Tebogo and former world champion Isaac Makwala.
His performances have also highlighted Botswana’s growing dominance in the 400m, with the nation now boasting multiple global contenders. Ndori was instrumental in Botswana’s 4x400m silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With the World Championships set for Tokyo from September 13-21, Ndori has made it clear that his focus is on securing a podium finish.
“My goal for 2025 is to end with a good finish at the World Championships,” he declared after his Xiamen triumph.
Given his current form, Ndori is shaping up to be a serious threat to established stars like Steven Gardiner (BAH), Michael Norman (USA), and even his teammate Letsile Tebogo.
As the Diamond League season progresses, all eyes will be on Ndori to see if he can maintain his momentum.
