BONGANI MALUNGA
World under 20 100m champion and Botswana 100m national record holder made his Wanda Diamond League debut last weekend in Eugene, USA in a tough race which can only serve as his “initiation” into the senior level. After dominating at youth level, Tebogo has also made a leap into senior competition as he aims to make a name for himself at senior level.
Tebogo finished fifth in his first ever Diamond League outing in a race whereby American sprinter Trayvon Bromell won with a time of 9.93.
Tebogo recorded a time of 10.12 to finish behind Bromell (USA), Fred Kerley (USA), Christian Coleman (USA) and Noah Lyles (USA). The Botswana sprinter did not manage to make his signature take-off which usually helps him blow a head of steam and steal a march on his competitors.
By the time he decided to turn on his “after burners” there were four sprinters who were light seconds ahead of him as he could not be as assertive as he usually is. The race proved to be a rude awakening for the young sprinter who has shown signs of being a global star in the 100m discipline for years to come.
In the build up to the race the spotlight was on Tebogo and fellow teenage sensation Erriyon Knighton (USA) who has dominated the 200m races as well. The duel between the two bright young stars was billed as one of the main attractions of the 100m race as both athletes were making their maiden appearances in the competition.
Despite not winning the race, Tebogo won the first major duel between him and Knighton (who finished sixth). Meanwhile, Botswana’s 400m star Isaac Makwala recorded a season’s best time of 45.35 to finish seventh in the 400m race in Eugene.
This was Makwala’s second Diamond League race of the season. He has accumulated six points in the overall 400m standings so far this season, he is currently in the top six in the standings.