16 May 2022

Triple Jumper, Thalosang Tshireletso electrified the crowd clearing 16.77m to set a new national record at the just ended Debswana National Athletics Championship held in Francistown over the weekend.

The 31-year-old, who also doubles up as a long jumper, excited field events enthusiasts with his performance.

Given the weekend record, the jumper, who already qualified for high jump, will also make the triple jump list in the coming Africa Senior championships

“I am very happy with my new record. Triple jump is my main event and I prepared thoroughly for the competition.”

However, his performance was not impressive during the long jump competition, which saw him clocking 7.89m shorter than 8.04m he recorded during the recent Gaborone International Meet (GIM).

Tshireletso, whose coach is based in London, Britain settled for gold. Though not happy about his performance, the jumper managed to beat his closest rival in the likes of Norman Chibane.

“I did not do as expected but I am confident enough to do better given the fact that I am training well,” he said.

“I had expected to go beyond the 8.04m I recorded at the GIM but I failed,” he said.

His plan, he said was to focus on training to shape his skill ahead of the African championships and the Commonwealth Games.

Silver went to Chibane who jumped 7.46m.

The bronze medal went to Lebelonyane Tsame of Francistown Athletics Club jumping 7.12m.

The three went home P5 000, P3 000 and P2 000 richer.

Tonic Kaukobong gave his rivals a hard time when he threw 40.78m, followed by Hendrick Kebareng who managed to throw 32.46m underthe senior men discus category.

The bronze medal went to Arnold Tuahuke who threw 31.84m.

Shotput U20 men category saw young and upcoming promising athlete, Thato Odumetse registering a throw of 11.81m winning himself a gold medal.

The silver medal went to Atang Maseko who had a throw of 11.78m.

While being the fans’ favourite Friday Brenno failed to live up to expectations, as he settled for third position after throwing 11.77m.

Kendy Thato of University of Botswana Athletics Club managed to jump 5.57m winning herself gold in long jump senior women category, followed by silver medalist Atang Maseko after jumping 5.56m.

Majore Chedza of Maun Botswana Defence Force Athletics Club settled for the bronze medal after jumping 5.55m. ENDS