Golden sprints light up FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix
Johannes Kambai | Tuesday April 28, 2026 08:13
Gaborone came to life on Sunday, as the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix 2026 transformed the National Stadium into a cauldron of speed, power, and unbridled passion.
Sponsored generously by FNB Botswana with a staggering P6 million injection, this World Athletics Continental Tour event served as a dazzling precursor to the upcoming World Relays.
It drew thousands of fervent fans who turned the stands into a sea of colour, chants, and waving flags.
The atmosphere crackled from the first gun. In the women's 100m, American sprint sensation Gabby Thomas exploded onto the scene, shattering the 11 second barrier for the first time in her career with a blistering 10.95 seconds (-0.4 wind).
The Olympic 200m champion powered past a stacked field including Cambrea Sturgis (11.07) and Audrey Leduc (11.10), her victory met with thunderous applause that echoed across Notwane Road.
The men's 100m delivered equal fireworks as Canada's Jerome Blake edged out Olympic legend Andre De Grasse (9.95) and Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala (9.95) in a photo finish thriller, clocking a season opening 9.93 seconds (+1.0 wind).
De Grasse showed that he still has enough fuel in his legs, when he powered to 19.84 seconds (-0.1), dipping under 20 seconds in the mens 200m, followed by Aaron Brown (20.07) and Kyree King (20.24).
But the loudest cheers erupted for Team Botswana’s rising stars, who turned the National Stadium into a cauldron of national pride.
In the women’s 200m Race, 2 local sprinters staged a breathtaking podium sweep; teenage sensation Oarabile Hines powered to gold in a commanding 25.26 seconds (+0.1), with Oneile Game (25.33) and Bophelo Ragabo (25.37) completing an all Botswana top three that sent the home crowd into absolute frenzy.
The celebrations reached fever pitch moments later in the women’s 800m, where Oratile Nowe delivered a masterclass performance in front of her adoring nation.
The 25-year-old stormed to a brilliant victory in 1:58.42, smashing past strong international competition including Ethiopia’s Nigist Getachew (1:59.06) to claim a sensational win and etch her name deeper into Botswana athletics folklore.
Her powerful, confident stride and electric finishing kick had the entire stadium on its feet, roaring in unison. Beyond the elite performances, the day celebrated unity and inspiration. FNB Botswana's support underscored a commitment to nurturing greatness, while the electric energy at the stadium packed with families, athletes, and dignitaries signalled Botswana's rising status on the global athletics map.
With the World Relays looming (May 2-3), this Golden Grand Prix wasn't just a meet it was a statement of ambition.
As the final baton dropped and the sun set over a jubilant Gaborone, one thing was clear, yesterday wasn't merely a competition. It was a golden chapter in Botswana's sporting legacy where speed met soul, and the world witnessed a nation in full stride.