Thebe fails to secure Olympics berth
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 2, 2021 09:23
He failed to book his place in the team as he finished fourth with a time of 46.31 during a race in Spain. The qualifying time for men’s 400m was 44.90. National team coach, Justice Dipebe told Mmegi Sport he is impressed with the team that has qualified.
“It is always going to be a challenge to get all the athletes to qualify due to various reasons, being injuries, lack of competitions among others. The season has been made worse by a lot of (COVID-19) restrictions. Training venues were closed, competitions were limited and travel to competitions was limited.
So I do not blame or hold any athlete accountable,” Dipeba said.
When asked about the selection of the men’s 4x400m relay team, Dipeba explained that the team is selected looking at the current performance. He said athletes would make the team according to their performance.
The relay team was submitted to the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) on Wednesday. The Olympics chef de mission, Tshepo Sitale said the focus now turns to those who have qualified.
“Pre-games training camp and expose the team to competitions. We have qualified 15 athletes and that was the target,” he said. BNOC has set a target of two medals of any colour.
The Olympics team comprises Nijel Amos, Isaac Makwala, Amantle Victor Nkape Montsho, Christine Botlogetswe, Galefele Moroko, men’s 4x400m relay team.
Keamogetse Kenosi, Rajab Otukile (boxing), Magdelene Moyengwa (weightlifting) and James Freeman from swimming comes in through a wild card.