On occasions when there is time, the resources are far too limited. The recent performances by some of the Team Botswana members at the just ended Olympic Games in Beijing, China shows that if Botswana is to grab a gold medal one day, the country has to shed off its modest approach. Modest, because I think that we are not radical enough in coming up with an all encompassing winning mentality. This winning mentality should come from the top. In other words, there should be a lot of political will. The passion that politicians usually show when campaigning for office should be extended to all sections of society. I am glad that President Ian Khama seems to be walking the talk. With the Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, Gladys Kokorwe having travelled with the Olympic team to Beijing, I am sure she has learnt a few tricks and has a far much better understanding of the intricacies of producing a winning team. This then brings me to one question: How much money and time is needed to bring one Olympic gold to the country?
Put another way, how much does an Olympic gold medal cost? If the sports authorities can answer this question, then they can have the winning formula for Olympic Games.
By Botswana standards, Amantle Montsho might have done well at the games but by world standards, she still has got a lot of work to do. For her to get a medal, she ought to have overtaken at least five people in the final. Khumiso Ikgopoleng was just one punch away from a bronze medal, yet the gap between him and his conqueror was quiet big in points.
