the monitor

Holiday-inducing sprint medals

Some athletes just have a freakish amount of talent. Most of us learn at a young age that we are not those people. The realisation probably came as soon as you were old enough to read social cues and you tried showing off your amazing talents to anyone except your mum.

Most mums are very good parents, but maybe not very good judges of athletic ability. You get all sorts of encouragement and accolades from your mum when you start doing those house Olympics which involve running three metres inside the house without any competition. This past month our athletes – the real ones and not you powering on mum vibes - have not only bagged gold medals at the World Athletics Championships, but also triggered a nationwide identity crisis: Are we a country or a sprinting cult? The Ministry of Sport and Arts has reportedly issued a statement declaring, ‘From now on, all citizens must walk with purpose. Jogging is encouraged. Sprinting is patriotic.’

Our boys didn’t only snatch the gold medals but probably made half the stadium Google “Where is Botswana?” Meanwhile, some countries with better facilities – and less medals - have offered to host a joint training camp—Botswana politely declined, citing ‘we train with thunder.’ This is according to the usual unreliable rumour mill.

Editor's Comment
Diplomatic relations must be on equal footing

“Let us never negotiate out of fear.But let us never fear to negotiate”– John F. KennedySupport for healthcare, education, skills and infrastructure can improve lives. The reaffirmed commitment to the Mmopane–Block 8 road is welcome for the prospect of better transport links for surrounding communities.China has shown willingness to assist Botswana, and government deserves credit for securing these commitments. However, the success of our...

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