Confusion over Makwala�s withdrawal
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 9, 2017 16:27
Makwala told Mmegi Sport from London that he was feeling fine and was puzzled when he was withdrawn from the race.
IAAF officials announced some athletes were suffering from gastroenteritis, which included vomiting. Makwala admits he had vomited in the lead up to the race but felt fine thereafter. He said no tests had been conducted to determine the illness.
“Yes, I had a drink and I vomited, that is normal with athletes,” he said. “I am not sure if I will run (in the 400m finals) later. I am ready to run but now my destiny is with people who claim they conducted tests on me. Nna ke shapo fela ke fodile (I am ok and feeling fine) and ready to run,” Makwala said.
Makwala, who has been in fine form this season, completed a stunning 200m/400m double in Madrid, Spain last month, where he did sub20 and sub 1.44.00 respectively.
The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) had earlier yesterday issued a statement saying Makwala had to be withdrawn due to illness. “On behalf of the BAA, we confirm that Isaac Makwala did not take part in the 200m heats on August 7, 2017, due to ill health. According to reports from team management in London, the IAAF medical team has confirmed an outbreak of some virus, which has affected about 25 athletes in camp,” reads the BAA press statement.
Botswana 400m runner, Onkabetse Nkobolo was also affected. The IAAF said it was doing its best to investigate the outbreak of the virus.
Meanwhile, while the men’s team has done well at the World Championships, the women had a less glorious run after Amantle Montsho, Lydia Jele and Christine Botlogetswe failed to make the finals of the 400m.