After a week of action, there has been no joy for Botswana after swimmer, James Freeman, boxers, Mohammed Rajab Otukile and Keamogetse Kenosi, and weightlifter, Madgelene Moyengwa were eliminated at the first hurdle. Botswana has set a medal target of two, and now all the hopes hinge on a familiar saviour; athletics. Athletics coach, Justice Dipeba told Mmegi Sport the team was doing fine and preparations are going well. Asked about how the typhoon that was anticipated to hit Japan this week had affected preparations, Dipeba said the weather condition was not an obstacle. “Wednesday was the last day and for now it is calm. It is nothing to worry about at the moment. The typhoon did not affect our preparations as we were given the heads up well ahead of time,” Dipeba said.
However, the typhoon was also a blessing in disguise because the temperatures have been reaching 40º Celsius. The extreme heat is making the Tokyo games one of the hottest Olympics in decades and has forced organisers to reschedule matches and push events to the early morning hours or dusk to avoid the scorching sun. Dipeba said they are not even thinking about the competition that they are going to face as they are in Tokyo to compete and that is where the focus is at the moment. Some local coaches believe Botswana athletes can excel. Former national team coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe said the team stands a good chance at excelling.
