A tale of an Olympian lost to culture :: Mmegi Online

In 2021, Botswana sport wrote its own piece of history; Magdelene Moyengwa became the first local weightlifter to qualify for the Olympic Games. But four years later, Moyengwa has disappeared from the sport surface, swallowed by insurmountable barriers that have claimed countless women’s talents across the globe, writes MQONDISI DUBE

At 20, Moyengwa had the world at her feet. She was rated as Africa’s top weightlifter in the 59kg, she had made history by becoming her country’s first weightlifter to participate at the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championship, before the most prized; being the first Botswana weightlifter to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2020.

A sparkling career was rapidly taking shape, and Botswana’s sport authorities were elated with Moyengwa’s progress in a sport that does not command a huge following. Moyengwa was fast changing narratives as the global media zoomed in on her achievements, with a lot more expected to come from the rising star.

Already have an active account? Log in here.

Or Sign up and get unlimited access to premium articles.

olympics

A tale of an Olympian lost to culture

Explore

More

UDC finally implements the 'newborn allowance'

Maele suspends BUAN Vice Chancellor

BOFIAWU petitions MOTSWEDI SACCOS over alleged unfair labour practices

Premier Soccer League’s 30th Season Kicks Off, DStv Opens Access to More Fans to Enjoy on SuperSport

School Holiday Fun Starts Here: The Best Kids' Shows and Movies on DStv This August

Gov’t accused of shutting gate to beef export markets

BMC, gov’t dragged to court over FMD restrictions

Feedlot giants staring at P27.8m loss

Public servants deserve better than union infighting