The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has dismissed as misleading rumours that former 400m world champion Amantle Montsho has retired from athletics. A twitter post under the athlete’s supposed account announced her retirement from athletics on Sunday night.
The post read: “Hello friends, after careful consideration and analysis, I have taken the decision to retire from athletics. Thank you all for your support.”
There is no clear confirmation on whether or not the twitter account belongs to Montsho because there are three other accounts under the athlete’s name. BAA vice president Glody Dube denied the reports in an interview with Gazette Sport. Dube said he suspects that a fake account was made under Montsho’s name to mislead the public.
“Amantle has not retired. Social networks can be manipulated in ways that can link people to statements they have not made. It is possible that someone might have created an account in her name and posted such statements. She has never indicated that she wants to retire or mentioned anything of that sort to the association,” said Dube.
The BAA is expected to release a statement this week relating to Montsho’s possible doping ban. Dube refused to comment on the issue, saying BAA is dealing with the matter internally. Amantle tested positive for a banned substance, Methlyhexaneamine during the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in August.
BAA refutes Montsho retirement rumours
