Tebogo’s irresistible touch to spur teammates in Budapest
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday August 21, 2023 15:35
However, amid the euphoria, there is still some work to be done by Tebogo and his team mates representing the country in Hungary. The win will without a doubt, serve as a motivation for other team members and Tebogo as he prepares for the 200m race, where another medal beckons. The men’s 400m semi-finals and 800m heats get underway tomorrow evening.
Tebogo made history during the Sunday 100m showdown, finishing behind Noah Lyles like a steam train to claim Botswana’s first medal in Budapest. Tebogo, who is also Africa record holder in 200m, attacked the finish line in 9.88s.
The achievement is a personal best (PB) and a national record (NR). Speaking to Mmegi Sport, national team coach, Chilume Ntshwarang said their Monday training session was top class. He said the mood was high within the camp, adding Tebogo’s win is a statement that Botswana continues to produce some of the best athletes in the world. “Now every team member believes that anything is possible in this competition.
They are putting their best foot forward. They are motivated by the silver medal. So tomorrow we are looking forward to all of them making the finals,” he said. Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch and Collen Kebinatshipi will be competing in the men’s 400m semi-finals. Tshepiso Masalela will run in the men’s 800m heats. Ndori had a comfortable start to the competition winning his heat in 44.72s. Kebinatshipi made his debut at the World Athletics Championships being in the same heat with world record holder, Wayde van Niekerk.
The 19 year old put up a brilliant performance to finish in position four stopping the clock at 44.80, which is a qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He also set a new PB and Under-20 World Lead (WL).
Scotch progressed into the semi-final after finishing in position five reaching the finish line in 45.20. Meanwhile, President Mokgweetsi Masisi sent out a congratulatory message to Tebogo. “Your dedication, talent and hard work have truly shone on the world stage, making you the fastest sprinter on the African continent. You make Botswana proud. Keep reaching for the stars,” Masisi said in a social media statement.