Athletics carry medal hopes at Olympics
As the eyes of the world shift to Tokyo from June 23 until August 8 for the Olympics, Botswana athletes are among an elite glory-seeking group. Botswana has competed in eight summer Olympics since making its debut at the 1980 competition held in Moscow. Botswana won its first and only medal to date when Nijel Amos emerged with a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games held in London.
Athletics carry the nation’s hopes even today. Amos is in top shape, mentally and physically compared to 2016. His focus has been 100% towards these Olympics.
He will undoubtedly face competition from American, Clayton Murphy and British middle-distance runner Elliot Giles. There is also Kenyan runner, Rotich Ferguson and Amel Tuka from Bosnia.
He has been inactive and his first race is tonight at the Monaco Diamond League. The race will indicate where he is in terms of sharpness.
When asked about the preparations, Amos told Mmegi Sport he was taking it ‘step-by-step, day-byday’.
Isaac Makwala is also prepared and determined to reach the finals and fight for a podium finish. So far there has not been any crazy times in the 400m across the world that could rule him out as a medal contender.
He faces stiff competition from Grenadian sprinter,
Kirani James, rising Colombian
star, Anthony Zambrano and world record holder, Wade Van Niekerk of South Africa.
The entry list of the Hungarian Athletics Grand Prix, a World Athletics continental tour gold meet had the best of 400m, but the results gave hope that Makwala could make a podium finish.
The 4x400m men’s relay team even without Ditiro Nzamani and Boitumelo Masilo stands a chance to bring a medal.
The team only needs sub 45 then all systems are in place. The men’s 4x400m relay team qualified through designated competition in Stadion Śląski Chorzów, Poland. The team won a bronze medal.
The athletics national team is coached by Justice Dipeba with Kebonemodisa Mosimanyane assisting him.
Amos
Race: 800m
Season’s best (SB): 1:45:26 Status: Qualified by entry standard (1:41:89)
Qualified by entry standard (44:47)
Leungo Scotch
Race: 400m
SB: 45:23
Status: Qualified by world rankings
Baboloki Thebe
Race: 4x400m relay
SB: 45:56
Status: next best by world rankings
Zibane Ngozi Race: 4x400m relay SB: 45:13
Anthony Pesela Race: 4x400m relay SB: 45:15
Bayapo Ndori Race: 4x400m SB: 45:38
The women’s team Amantle Montsho
Race: 400m
SB: 52:33
Status: Qualified by entry standard (51: 22)
Christine Botlogetswe Race: 400m
SB: 53:69
Status: Qualified by entry standard (50:48)
Galefele Moroko
Race: 400m
SB: 53:75
Status: Qualified by entry standard (50:59)