Athletes thrive under rainy weather
MANZINI – Athletes thrived on a rainy day during the Athletics Eswatini (AE) 2022 Track and Field National Championships held at Mavuso Sports Centre.
Despite the wet weather, AE defied all odds to continue with the competition, with some athletes from Mozambique and Lesotho present. Due to poor draining of the Mavuso Sports Centre synthetic track, some athletes had to run in a pool of water, especially on lane one. Winner of 5 000m 25-year-old Sifiso Malambe, said the weather was not good at all, but they had to keep their heads up and compete. He said it was too cold and rainy and they did not get a good warm-up ahead of the competitions.
“It was not easy today and I’m happy that I was able to compete effectively and took home the gold medal,” he said.
Simanga Maseko (UEDF)
‘‘We were training under hot weather conditions and now it is raining on the important day. The change in weather had a great influence in our performance and we struggled with the wet track. We had no choice but to compete for honours.’’
Bongiwe Mahlalela (RESP)
I was not feeling well ahead of the competition, but I made it. I had a good performance ahead of the commonwealth games and I will be going to Birmingham motivated. I’m happy that my hard work is now recognised.
Ndabenhle Vilakati
“The competitions were tough and the weather was bad. I’m just happy that the competition went ahead despite the rain challenges. It was too cold, especially in the morning. It was a good competition and we are happy that they were well organised.’’
Nokwethu Nhlabatsi (UEDF)
‘‘I love the long distance races and it is not the first time that I won. I was also the winner during the build ups. I was scared of the athletes from Mozambique and Lesotho, but they competed in the short distances. I hope to continue dominating in the coming years.’’