Botswana’s hope for a medal at the World Athletics Championships were dashed following the 4x400m relay team’s failure to reach the final on Saturday.
The team made up of Onkabetse Nkobolo, Nijel Amos, Leaname Maotoanong and Isaac Makwala finished on position five despite registering national record of 2:59.95.
Three top finishers from each of the two heats qualified automatically, while two more teams advanced to the final by time. Botswana was in heat two and up against USA and the runner-up two years ago.
It was always going to be difficult for team Botswana, but 800m ace Amos stood up in the second leg. But his teammate Maotoanong could not maintain the pace on the third leg and Botswana was thrown out. USA successfully defended the title in the finals against the likes of Jamaica.
