Makwala rekindles medal hopes

Isaac Makwala
Isaac Makwala

Just 24 hours after Nijel Amos had Batswana reeling with heartbreak following his 800m loss, his countryman, Isaac Makwala sent the nation into dreamland with a perfect semi-final win which propelled him to the World Championships 400m finals.

The African 400m record holder finished first in the second semi-final with a time of 44.11. Makwala started the race in unfavourable lane nine, but his powerful start and being resolute throughout the entire race was enough to hand him top spot.

Before the gun went, Makwala pointed downwards in what was interpreted as a message to say he is in Beijing to stay. Indeed, he kept his promise and after the race Makwala got down to the track to perform some push-ups to show his opponents that he was pumped up for the final. Makwala’s breakthrough came less than a day after Amos failed to qualify for the 800m finals. All hopes will be on Makwala now that Amos is out, but he will face tough competition in the final.

Editor's Comment
Bravo police for prompt action

It is also hurting that whilst we all know that the Botswana Police Service (BPS) is charged functionally with the duties to investigate all forms of crime, some locals have resorted to taking the law into their own hands. It is very wrong to do that. There is also a possibility that one may wrongfully take the life of a person in the process, unless it is a justifiable case of self-defence. Recently, in the city of Francistown, some locals found...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up