Swimming makes Commonwealth Games history
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday July 25, 2017 15:21
It was the first time swimming won a medal at the Commonwealth Games for both junior and senior competitions. Botswana Swimming Sport Association (BSSA) president, Ruth Van Der Merwe told Mmegi Sport that winning a medal at such a stage meant a lot to Freeman, his family and swimming in the country. She said the performance also means people would start taking swimming seriously.
“It also inspires young swimmers to aim higher and that Botswana can produce World class swimmers. Freeman is 16 years and he works hard everyday. His hard work is now bearing fruit and this is the beginning of bigger things to come. All he needs is somebody to keep an eye on him,” she said.
Van Der Merwe said the swimmer achieved personal best (PB) in all the events he competed in at the Commonwealth Games. She said Freeman would be heading to the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Junior Championships slated for United States of America in August.
The swimmer has also been selected for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games team. She explained that Freeman clocked a Youth Olympic qualifying time in the 400m freestyle. Meanwhile, Naomi Ruele, David van deer Colff and Adrian Robinson are competing at the ongoing FINA World Championships in Hungary.
Van Der Merwe said Ruele has made her PB in the 100m backstroke yesterday morning with a time of 1.02.96. Ruele was seating at position 36 overall at the end of the heats. Van Der Merwe said that was a big achievement by the American based swimmer. Meanwhile, Botswana got other bronze medals in athletics and boxing.
Brian Galelemogwe won a bronze for boxing in a bout were he faced an opponent from Bahamas. A mixed relay that comprised of Phodiso Rampa, Rose Saname, Mothusi Boitshwarelo and Oarabile Tshosa bagged a bronze in the 4x200m race.
Botswana was also represented by a cycling team. Team Botswana arrives back home tomorrow.