Makwala, Amos poised for more glory
Thato Kala | Thursday August 14, 2014 11:14
This was after he got the country’s only gold and medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow two weeks ago.
Makwala made amends after his Commonwealths disappointment when he retained the 400m African title. He was fastest in the heats and semi-finals and went on to lead the way in the final.
He smashed the championship record in the process with a winning time of 44.23. He has been in top form this season and believes the 400m gold is not the end at this year’s African Championships.
He has two finals today - the 200m final and the 4x4 where Amos is also in the team.
“I am feeling good about my achievement, I was really disappointed at the Commonwealth Games, so I wanted to prove that I am the African record holder,” he told Mmegi Sport. “You know, if it is not your day even when you are 110 percent fit you can never win.
“I guess in Glasgow it was not my day. But here, the race was fine, it was great,” he added. Of Amos’ achievement, Makwala said he was aware he would win it.
“I knew it was easy for him. He did not have any challenge here,” he said. The continent’s fastest 400 m runner believes he can repeat the same feat in the 200m final today.
He has excelled in both events this year, setting a few records in the build up to these games. “I will be taking part in the 200m race as well and I expect to do well.”
As for 4x4, Makwala vowed they were not settling for anything less than gold. “That is an obvious gold, the final team has not been selected as yet, but I do believe anyone picked will do well.
“We are all fit, no injuries at all, so I know we will get gold.”