- Wing-footed 400m runner Scotch clocked “a very good time” in the 100m
- Letsile Tebogo, Christine Botlogetswe and Galefele Moroko were conspicuous by their absence
- Next event will be in Gabs next month
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has officially started its 2023 season with the first track and field series event held in Francistown over the weekend, Gazette Sports has established.
BAA hosts the series of events in various areas across the country on a monthly basis in quest of preparing athletes for major continental international events.
The event in Francistown attracted over 50 local athletes who convened at the Obert Itani Chilume Sports Complex and competed in various track and field events.
Pleasantly surprised
BAA vice president administration, Oabona Theetso, told Gazette Sports that they were pleasantly surprised by the turnout of athletes in the first event of the year, describing it as true reflection of their commitment and hard work.
“We were surprised by the numbers and calibre of the athletes who showed up because most of them don’t usually attend,” Theetso said. We had top athletes in attendance, among them Leungo Scotch, Bayapo Ndori, Zibani Ngozi, Lydia Jele and Loungo Matlhaku, and they clocked good times.
“They are all determined to make it into the national team with good times. We are also working hard to make sure that we give all athletes the support that they may need.”
Athletes have their eyes on the upcoming World Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August; the Africa Games in Accra, Ghana also in August; as well as the highly-anticipated Botswana Golden Grand Prix in April.
Athletics governing body, World Athletics, recently announced dates for commencement of Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers, which is also a priority for athletes.
Better times for Scotch
Meanwhile, Scotch – who is famously known for his prowess in the 400m, said it is important for him to start the season with better times so he may work on technique and speed.
“I decided to start my season by getting out of my comfort zone and competed in the 100m instead of my usual 400m and I clocked sub 11, which is a very good time,” he noted.
“It will help me improve my speed when I get back to the 400m. This year I am aiming at making it to the finals of all international events because we have been working very hard at training throughout the Christmas holidays, which I consider a blessing for me.”
Letsile Tebogo, Christine Botlogetswe and Galefele Moroko were conspicuous by their absence from the event.
The next event will be held in Gaborone next month.