The Botswana Athletics Association secured her place in the squad, ensuring entry to the competition at the 11th hour. Lydia Jele, Thomphang Basele, Obakeng Kamberuka, Golekanye Chikani, and Oratile Nowe complete the roster.
Chilume Ntshwarang, the head coach, explained to Mmegi Sport that Moroko's potential warranted her inclusion, despite the team's setbacks. While acknowledging the passage of time since Moroko's last competition, Ntshwarang urged against hasty judgements. "After the team failed to qualify, athletes took a break from training.
The season was over for them, so we had to look around to find anyone who was available. Moroko has been working hard and as coaches, we felt she was in shape and had the potential to make an impact on the team," Ntshwarang shared.
He expressed optimism about the relay team's prospects of reaching the final in Budapest. Simultaneously, the impending Budapest championships introduce fresh regulations outlined by World Athletics (WA). These rule changes will debut at the event and will subsequently shape future WA Series track and field championships. Adjustments have been introduced in the seeding process for lane assignments in track events. “Any lanes or starting position left empty due to the withdrawal of an athlete will, where possible, be filled by the next best-ranked athlete.
This policy will apply to finals and semi-finals in all disciplines, including field events and relays,” the new rules read. The new regulations stipulate that any vacant lanes or starting positions, resulting from athlete withdrawals, will ideally be filled by the next highest-ranked athlete. This policy extends to finals, semi-finals, field events, and relays.
Furthermore, lane redraws and attempts to reorder will no longer occur. Instead, a virtual 'hot seat' mechanism will be implemented, prompting the next top-ranked athlete(s) or teams to be on standby for potential withdrawals.
Each replacement will consider a maximum of two athletes. A notable departure from tradition, all three coaches of podium finishers will receive medals for the first time in the history of the WA Championships.
Responding to these developments, Ntshwarang conveyed his appreciation for these changes that stemmed from a consortium of elite coaches. He considered this recognition a positive boost for athletics, likely to enhance motivation and commitment among coaches. "Coaches have been at the forefront of talent development and to see them being recognised at that level brings motivation and that will make them give more to the sport," Ntshwarang affirmed.
