Tshireletso jumps towards his dreams
BY SUN REPORTER Machaneng born, Thalosang Tshireletso believes he is at his peak and has promised that there is more to come from him after he took his best leap over the weekend, reaching a distance of 16.77 m at the just ended athletics championship at the Obedi Itani Chilume Stadium.
Previously, the Triple jump national record was held by Gable Garenamotse at 16.66m from July 3rd 1999 and this comes as a great achievement for the local jumper.The 31 year athlete who doubles as a Long jumper and Triple Jumper blew his own horn after he broke the national record at the Debswana Athletics National Championships over the weekend.
“First thought that came to my mind was that I am the best that has ever done it in Botswana, a thought to last a life time really,” he said in an interview this week.
Moreover, he said this was just the beginning of greater things to come.
“The national record was just the beginning, I am looking to qualify for the World championships to be held in Oregon, United States of America this year.” His ultimate dream is to become an African Champion, and a Commonwealth champion, making the final of the World Champs is on the agenda and he hopes to achieve that soon, then make it to the Olympics. Tshireletso wears two hats outside the sport he is a temporary Lecturer with the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Botswana, “I would like to remove that temporary soon and become a certified expert in my field, and contribute to the body of knowledge,” he said. His athletic career took flight when he started training as a semi professional whilst a student at the University of Botswana. “It got a bit serious when I went to study at the University of East London in the UK, where I met my coach, Guy Spencer. Then it really took off. I saw the progress and fell in love with it.” Looking back the outspoken jumper says he wouldn’t be where he is, if it wasn’t for the people that believed in him and invested in the process. “Patrick Moesi has believed in me since 2010, still does.
BOTESSA has helped me with gaining international experience. University of Botswana Athletics Club as well. Above all friends and family, I am proud of my circle.”Tshireletso says he wants to be remembered once he leaves the sport that’s why he is going all out. “In the words of the great Muhammed Ali- I would like for them to say he took a few cups of love, he took one tablespoon of patience, one teaspoon of generosity, one pint of kindness, He took one quart of laughter, one pinch of concern and then he mixed willingness with happiness, he added lots of faith and he stirred it up well. Then he spread it over a span of a lifetime and he served it to each and every deserving person he met.”