17 May 2022

Empowerment of field events coaches can enable Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) to accomplish its desired results in international competitions.  

Funds permitting, BAA will move to introduce field events skills at grassroots.  

In an interview, BAA vice president, Oabona Theetso, said the recent Debswana Association National Championships gave them a ray of hope.

Given the necessary ingredients, field events could increase the countries chances of winning more medals in major competitions such as Olympic Games and World Championships.

The interview followed an incident where triple jumper, Thalosang Tshireletso, set the new national record with 16.77 metres, beating Gable Garenamotse’s record of 16.66 in 1999.

This achievement, Theetso said, was a sign of good things to come.

He said it was an indication of envisaged growth in field events, but he underscored the need  for support.

“The fact that Gable’s national record was smashed after 23 years, it now tell us that we should do more and focus on all field events including high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put, javelin, hammer and discus throws,” he said.

He added that countries, which accumulated a lot of medals at the games were those who had invested in the field event.

 “So, the message is clear, the athletes are communicating, therefore it is upon us to keep the candle burning,” Theetso stated . ENDS