26 Apr 2023

Eminent athletes have started arriving in Gaborone  for the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix meet slated for Saturday.

The first batch of athletes landed on Tuesday evening at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

They included Canadian 200m sprinter, Jerome Blake, United States’ Clayton Murphy who will be doing the 800m as well as Jamaica’s Candice McLeod, who runs 400m.

In an interview, most of the athletes said they were delighted to be in Gaborone for the meet.

Blake indicated that partaking in the FNBB Golden Grand Prix would be his season’s opener.

“My training has been going well and I am ready to compete. I am looking forward to the race because I want to start my season with a good time.

I was told this is a fast track so I am also looking forward to a good time,” he said, although indicating that setting a record was not a priority.

Blake also said landing in the country a few days ahead of the meet was good as it would give him time to acclimatise.

He also said he would use his time in the country to sightsee some areas.

For his part, Murphy said the race would be his first for the season, adding all had turned up well in the preparatory races he took part in.

Concerning the weather, Murphy indicated that it would not be a problem for him.

“I have done well in similar conditions in the past, so I do not see why the heat should be any challenge for me,” he said.

Murphy said prior to the event, he would do light training to avoid straining his body.

McLeod said preparations had not been smooth as she was hit by flu last week.

“Despite that, I am excited a bit and I am also hoping to do a good time under this weather because with my recent flu, I would prefer to compete under a bit of heat than cold,” she said.

McLeod also added that the heat would not be a problem for her as her ountry was also humid.

The last batch of international athletes is expected to arrive today (Thursday).ENDS