14 Mar 2022

- Victor Ntweng of Maun BDF athletics club won the 400m hurdles with a time of 49.80 to set a national record at the Golden Door Sports Agency meet held at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The time also qualified him for the African Athletics Championships billed for Mauritius from June 8 to 12.

Dintweng, who is originally a 400 metres flat runner, looked comfortable in his hurdle clearance.

Like world greatest 400 metres hurdler Edwin Moses, Ntweng was flawless taking 14 steps between the hurdles, lifting his leg in a precision manner.

He said in an interview after the race that he was happy with his performance, given that he clocked a personal best although he converted to the hurdles this season.

“My performance has motivated me, so I am ambitious to qualify for the World Championships, the qualifying time is 48.90, you can see that I am not far, of course with a lot of hard work I will get there,” he said.

Ntweng said coming into the race together with his coach, Dose Mosimanyane, they started working on the hurdles in October, noting that credit must be given to him as he saw his strength and potential in the hurdles.

 Position two went to his team mate, Keitumetse Maitseo with a time of 49.91, while Frecky Tshotlego clocked 52.54.

In 400 metres women, spectators witnessed the return of Lydia Jele after serving her four-year ban for doping.

However, she finished on position two with 53.49, after Zambian Rhoda Njobvu who clocked 52.87 while Christine Botlogetswe finished third with 53.75.

In women shot-put, Tumelo Ratlhogo also clocked a national record after throwing 11.12 metres, followed by Ambrose Kelebogile and Angela Kaelo with 11.02 and 10.13 metres respectively.

Gaborone International Meet spokesperson, Calistus Kolantsho, said the Golden Door Sports Agency track and field event was used as a rehearsal for the Gaborone International Meet billed for Gaborone April 30.

He said they were happy because some athletes managed to qualify for the African Athletics Championships, while others clocked their personal best. Kolantsho further said they were elated by the return of Jele after a long time.

“We made history, Jele returned from her suspension, and her first race was Golden Door Sports Agency track and field event and it was also good to see other athletes from other countries, especially from Zambia, who always support Gaborone International Meet,” he said. ENDS