Makwala sets new record
Thato Kala | Tuesday April 29, 2014 14:22
It was 1-2 finish for Botswana after Pako Seribe trailed Makwala home with a time of 46.17 secs.After setting a new record, Makwala vowed to retain the African title. His first 400m engagement this season was in South Africa at the Sasolburg meet where he ran 46.04 secs.
“I am quite excited after the Mauritius meet because I ran my season’s best. Ever since I started my athletics career, I have never started a season so well. I always run 45 seconds around June and July,” Makwala told Mmegi Sport from Quarte Bornes.
He believes his current performance is a good sign that he would hit top form when he goes for the Commonwealth Games. “I am in good form, I think around June, I will be running sub 45, which is my target. My chances are high this year to achieve more, I know I can make the top three in the Commonwealths and then defend my title in Africa,” he said.
The Commonwealth Games kick off on July 23 in Glasgow while the African Championships take place in Morocco from August 10-18.
Makwala won the 400m at the African Championships in Benin two years ago.
He returns home today to prepare for the weekend national championships. He has declared his intention to break the national 100m and 200m records. After the national championships, Makwala will run at the South Africa Open on May 9.