From solo run to last run

Global track and field superstar, Isaac Makwala is expected to compete in his last race on September 7 in the Diamond League, before the celebrated athlete hangs up his spikes. According to a recent press release from Botswana National Olympic Committee ( BNOC), Makwala, who has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games, has communicated, through the Botswana Team Management, led by the Chef De Mission Yarona Sharp, his decision to retire from the Botswana National Team.“This shall allow the athlete to focus on competing in the upcoming Diamond League competitions, which he has cited as being his focal point, given the financial benefit and improvement to his general welfare,” the press statement reads. “Following the completion of relevant consultations with stakeholders, the request has been accepted. We would therefore like to inform the nation that Makwala has been released from the Commonwealth Games 2022 Birmingham Camp and as a consequence will not be participating in any capacity ( as an individual or as a part of the relay team) at the Games.” Makwala has immensely contributed towards the overall performance of the Botswana team in major games, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Athletics Championships and Africa Games among others. His imminent rise to the global space was reached in the 2017 World Athletics Championships when barred from 400 metres final since he had an infectious disease and needed to be quarantined. He was later given an unexpected reprieve 200 metres semifinals, which he raced solo and against all odds, the sensational Makwala qualified from the notoriously difficult inside lane made even more difficult by wet conditions after gaining a reprieve from the IAAF. Makwala’s decorated career saw him become the 400m National Record holder, 200m National Record holder, two time African Champion, two time Commonwealth Games Champion, Diamond League Final Winner and an Olympic Bronze Medal amongst many other top achievements. Moreover, the Badman as he is affectionately known, has been a source of inspiration for young upcoming runners; he has had a very big voice over the years advocating for better welfare of athletes, and he never shied away from sharing his mind and calling out people. Makwala has been smart even off the track, the athlete recently advised through his social media page that athletes should make investments while they are still earning enough and once they reach retirement age they have enough to fall back on. “I Joined the national team in 2007, and by then I was not running in any big competitions like Diamond league or world challenge, so I was making money through national team allowance and I was saving,” the statement reads. Makwala added that by 2012, his savings accumulated to around P50k and he wanted to buy a house, little did he know that a house was much expensive. “I went back to train harder and harder and then in 2014, I started to take part in those big races like Diamond League and World challenge. Things were looking good and in 2015, I bought my first house. I continued again in 2018, I bought another one plus a plot now ( multi- residential with 11 houses ).” “I didn’t write that to brag about my accumulations but I want my fellow teammates and athletes all over to focus more on investment, it’s really tough after sports.” The 35 year old Makwala will participate for the very last time in the Diamond League across several cities from between August 6 and September 8, then the legendary athlete will draw down the curtain to his immaculate career.