- Botswana beat formidable contenders like the US to the nomination
- World Athletics cites Letsile Tebogo’s achievements as a factor in BAA’s nomination
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) has been nominated for the prestigious Member Federations Award to be presented at the World Athletics Awards 2023.
Coming ahead of formidable contenders like the USA, Botswana’s nomination is seen as a testament to BAA’s global growth, as the organisation’s vice president administration, Oabona Theetso, characterised it in a telephone interview this week.
“We are obviously happy about the nomination,” he said. “It shows that we are doing something right and our efforts are being recognised. Notably, being nominated against powerhouses such as the USA is a great achievement on its own. It signifies growth at the global level.”
Growth and profile
Meanwhile, World Athletics says the Member Federations Award acknowledges a Member Federation that has distinguished itself in accomplishments throughout the year, contributing positively to the growth and profile of the sport.
The winner will be announced on World Athletics’ platforms in early December as part of the World Athletics Awards 2023.
The statement by World Athletics highlights BAA’s nomination for its work with athletes, particularly citing the achievements of sprinter Letsile Tebogo in 2023.
Tebogo’s historic feat
The 20-year-old two-time world U20 100m champion secured a senior world medal, claiming a 100m silver and 200m bronze at Budapest ’23 last August.
The statement emphasises Tebogo’s historic feat as the first African man to claim a 100m medal and the first man from Botswana to win a medal in any event at the World Athletics Championships.
Developed locally, Tebogo is hailed as a positive role model for aspiring athletes across the African continent.
Australia, Chile, Spain
Other nominees for the award are Australia (Athletics Australia, Oceania), Chile (Federacion Atletica de Chile, South America), Spain (Real Federacion Espanola de Atletismo, Europe), Thailand (Athletic Association of Thailand, Asia), and the United States (USA Track & Field, NACAC).
Notably, the BAA is the sole African nominee for this esteemed award.