- Urges nation’s support for the budding athletes whose ultimate focus is on future Olympic success
TLOTLO KEBINAKGABO
Fresh off their triumph at the Paris 2024 Olympics where Botswana secured a historic gold in the men’s 200m race and a silver in the men’s 4x400m relay, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) is now turning its attention to the World Athletics U20 Championships.
Set to take place in Lima, Peru from August 27 to 31, 2024, the event is seen as a crucial stepping stone for the nation’s budding athletes.
But BAA Vice President of Administration, Oabona Theetso, has expressed cautious optimism about the upcoming competition.
No medal target for Lima
“Preparations are going well,” he told Gazette Sports in an interview “The team is in camp and will leave for Lima on Friday (23 August).
“We don’t want to put too much pressure on them by setting a medal target. We just want them to go there, enjoy the experience, and bring that experience back home.
“People should understand that with these athletes, we are preparing for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games.”
Future Olympic success
Theetso’s comments underscore the BAA’s long-term vision. The focus, he emphasised, is on building a foundation for future Olympic success.
While the Paris 2024 Olympics provided a moment of glory for the athletes and their country, the true test of Botswana’s athletic programme lies in the development of its young athletes, many of whom will be making their international debut in Lima.
Theetso urged the nation to rally behind the U20 team, much like they did in an unprecedented show of unity behind the Olympic team.
Nation’s support crucial
“These athletes need the nation’s support even more, especially considering that they are still young,” he said. “Their journey is just beginning, and the encouragement they receive now will shape their future careers.”
The president of BAA, Moses Bantsi, echoed these sentiments in a media briefing last month, calling for widespread support for the junior team.
“This team is full of future Olympians for the next two editions of the Olympic Games,” he said. “It is crucial that they be given full support as early as now. With the right preparation and backing, they are sure to become the great gems of Botswana’s athletics in the coming years.”
12-strong for Peru
BAA has assembled a team of 12 athletes – six male and six female – who will represent Botswana in various events in Peru.
The women’s team includes Sethunya Majama, who will compete in the 4x100m relay and the 200m race, Same Mhutsiwa (100m and 200m), Keebonye Otela (4x100m), Ame Bogoma (4x400m mixed relay and 4x100m), Warona Thonisani (4x400m mixed relay), and Wedu Matiwe (4x400m mixed relay).
The men’s team has Ernest Kumevu and Thabang Monngathipa for the 200m, the 400m, and the 4x400m relay, Keorapetse Oreokane (400m and 4x400m), Seleka Lefatshe (4x400m mixed relay and 4x400m), Justice Oratile (4x400m and 4x400m mixed relay), and Fredrick Mathati (4x400m mixed relay and 4x400m).