‘I wanted a medal’
Rusheen McDonald left disappointed after 400m final; seeking redemption in 4x400m relay
Published:Friday | September 19, 2025 | 12:14 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
TOKYO, Japan
Having entered the Tokyo World Athletics Championships with the aim of claiming a medal and lowering the national record, Jamaica’s Rusheen McDonald was left with bitter disappointment despite a valiant run in the men’s 400 metres final.
McDonald finished fourth in 44.28 seconds after he was denied a bronze in the final 10 metres of the event.
Coming into the homestretch in third place, McDonald looked assured of a podium finish but was edged to the line in the final metres by Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori, 44.20.
Busang Kebinatshipi of Botswana took the gold in a world-leading 43.53, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Jareem Richards pocketing the silver medal in a national record 43.72.
Speaking after the race, a dejected McDonald said he had wanted to claim an individual medal but saw the result a lesson to learn from.
“I wanted a medal today,” McDonald said. “Everything happens for a reason. The rain changed everything.
“I’m glad I got to the final, that was the aim, but I wanted a medal today.”
TOO FAST, TOO EARLY
The reigning national champion and record holder laid the blame on his race strategy as he felt he tried to get by his opponents too early in the race.
He explained his response that his opponents’ early pressure had left him with little left in the tank for a strong finish down the homestretch.
“I did something wrong in the race, but I could not correct it because it had gone bad already,” he said.
“I think I tried to cover the field too early. That is not how I’m supposed to run. I made a mistake. Normally, I finish faster but today I didn’t finish fast.”
McDonald had looked in the form of his life coming into the final, having run just a tenth of a second outside his lifetime best of 43.93, when he advanced to the final in 44.04.
He will look to the men’s 4x400m relay as redemption as he said he is ready to help Jamaica’s chances of medalling in the four-lap relay.
“I prepared for it, but everything happens for a reason,” said McDonald.
“Even right now I’m here talking to you, I feel a way, but I’m happy I finished the race. It’s a part of life, so I just have to go back to the drawing board and run the 4x400m.
He added, “I’m ready right now. I’m ready.”