Montsho made history on Friday when she won the 400m final at the games held in New Delhi, India. This should rate as the proudest moment of our lives in Botswana's sporting history. Like the commentators said yesterday, Montsho made history when the Botswana national anthem was sung at the Commonwealth Games as her country's blue, black and white flag was hoisted. For that moment, the whole world was listening and watching as Montsho, our heroine, gleamed with a smile and glowed with happiness written all over her face. The whole nation shared in her happiness because for as long as this country has taken part in the games, such success has not been achieved. We registered our first medal at the games in 1994 when France Mabiletsa won a bronze medal in Victoria, Canada. We came even closer when Master Luza and Gable Garenamotse won silver medals in Manchester, United Kingdom, in 2002. Garenamotse was back again with a silver medal from the 2006 Melbourne, Australia games. But Montsho has taken us to the 'Promised Land'. When the names of the great achievers of the Commonwealth Games are called, Montsho will be one of them, and by extension, Botswana. We run short of accolades for the golden girl. She won her race convincingly as she had opened a gap of almost 10 metres. It was up to those lagging behind to decide who takes the second and third spots. We take this opportunity to applaud the Botswana Athletics Association (BBA) for cultivating Montsho's talent through difficult times in her career. Botswana is not endowed with resources compared to other countries. The International Olympic Committee's decision to award her a scholarship to Senegal could not have come at a better time. We are now reaping the rewards of the hard work that they have invested in her career. Very little would have fallen into place if she had not worked hard and set herself a target. Prior to competing at the Games, Montsho had been doing well in competitions such as the Golden Leagues. She went to the Commonwealth Games as a favourite and she did not disappoint. Well done, Montsho! We are proud of you.
