Exciting times ahead as athletics race clears
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday March 19, 2022 06:00
This year marks 10 years after athletics brought Botswana’s first Olympic medal. Who would forget the jubilation that filled the hearts of Batswana when Nijel Amos crossed the line in second in the men’s 800m? The silver medal remains the sport’s most prized sports possession.
Following that glorious moment, Botswana athletics has not let off, winning several medals on the international stage.
Exciting times continued to roll last weekend as athletes were burning up the track at the National Stadium. Athletes, who represented the country at the recent Africa Union Sports Council Region 5 Games, were shining. One of the athletes, Katlego Brilliant Sam finished second behind sprint sensation, Tsaone Sebele. The youngster stopped the clock at 12.86 in the women’s 100m.
She went on to win the women’s 200m heat too, clocking 25.66. During the event, some athletes booked themselves spaces at the 2022 Africa Senior Championships slated for Mauritius in June. This is an indication that faster times are to be expected in the upcoming events.
The return of Lydia Jele from a lengthy ban is going to aid the women’s 4x400m relay team. She made a strong comeback over the weekend clocking 53.49 to qualify for the 2022 Africa Senior Championships. The qualification time for women’s 400m is between 54.6 and 54.74.
For the very first time in the history of local athletics, Botswana will field three hurdlers at the Africa Senior Championships. The hurdlers qualified for the championships over the weekend at the National Stadium.
Victor Ntweng from the Maun BDF Athletics Club set the men’s national 400m hurdles record at 49.80. Kemorena Tisang has held the record, which was 49.95.
His fellow team member, Maitseo Makheto Keitumetse, clocked 49.91 and Tisang clocked 49.96. Shot put has now picked up momentum with Tumelo Ratlhogo of Lefika Athletics Club setting a new national record of 11.12m, which is also her personal best (PB). Kelebogile Ambrose threw 11.04m, which is her PB. Tumiso Gabonamong qualified for the World Junior Championships in the men’s 400m after clocking 47.29. The competition is scheduled for the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero in Cali, Colombia in August.
National athletics coach, Justice Dipeba told Mmegi Sport that the performance of the athletes was excellent.
“It was good; it looks like we are on the right track, especially the 400m hurdles. I think the Gaborone International Meet is going to be special and we would see good times,” he said.
Regarding the return of Jele, Dipeba said it was a good start for her after such a long time on the sidelines. He said it is an indication that she is hungry to do well.
Maun BDF Athletics Club coach, Meleko Ndolo said athletes have well-defined intentions. “We have a beautiful season. More athletes will qualify for Africa Senior Championships. If given the support, we would see more qualifying for World Athletics Championships Oregon 2022 and World Junior Championships,” he said.
For his part, Lion’s Den coach Lebone Moreri told Mmegi Sport that he has fear that athletes are under pressure to qualify early.
“Looking back to the Saturday event, the competition was tense, especially in 100m, 800m and 1,500m and that affected the quality of time that was registered. In the 400m, we were lucky because athletes in that category are experienced,” he said.
Lebone said 400m athletes know when to qualify. He noted that the junior boys’ category is coming up strong and people must watch out for it. “The junior boys know what they want this year. I cannot say a lot about women but the return of Jele would booster the team,” Moreri said. As it stands, athletics will continue to bring smiles and joy to this country. With the talent that coaches are producing, the retirement of Amantle Montsho will not have a seismic effect. Isaac Makwala is also bowing out this year. It appears replacements are already line-up.
To put the cherry on top, athletics emerged as the biggest beneficiaries of the Botswana National Olympic Committee scholarships for the 2024 Olympic Games to be held in France.