Athletics return this weekend
… as local athletes chase Olympic qualifications amid the COVID 19 threat
Local athletes are expected to dust off their spikes and power off the blocks this weekend as they chase qualification times for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics which are expected to be hosted this year after being postponed due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
The Botswana Athletics Association ( BAA) is expected to host its next edition of Inter zonal track and field competition under strict COVID 19 protocols at the national stadium. The competition will not allow any spectators as only athletes and officials who are in the southern side of the country can participate in the competition due to the Covid 19 protocols on inter zonal travel restrictions. In an interview this week BAA Vice President Administration Oabona Theetso said the athletes are in good shape and excited about the weekend’s competition, he added that they will be looking to beat their personal best times and qualify for the Olympics. Furthermore Theetso he said athletes have been in camp since January 15th and they are in great shape for the tournament as well as qualifying the Olympics. The BAA mouthpiece further said the athletes will continue to be on camp for a while as they target qualifying more athletes.
The lineup of athletes expected to be in action include Ditiro Nzamani, Baboloki Thebe, Karabo Sibanda, Leaname Maotoanong, Nijel Amos, Zibane Ngozi, Tshepiso Masalela, Boitumelo Masilo, Isaac Makwala, Leungo Scotch, Christine Botlogetswe, Oarabile Babolai, Amantle MontshoNkape among others.
Meanwhile Covid 19 protocols require each to enter a maximum of 2 individual events. Teams are to vacate the competition Venue immediately after the event. All teams ( athletes) will be required to be accompanied by team officials to gain access to the facility. Spectators will not be allowed entry as per the current health regulations and Covid 19 screening and registration during competition.