05 Jun 2023

Collen Kebinatshipi, 400 metres runner,  took Netherlands by storm at the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands on Sunday.

It was a sight to behold when the 19-year old Kebinatshipi’s scintillating performance denied USA’s Vernom Norwood any room  to shine.

The Botswana sprinter made his intentions clear in the last 70 metres as he covered more ground clocking 45.01 to lead the pack.

The experinced Norwood was relegated to position two with 45.05.

Other Botswana runners in the race were Isaac Makwala, who finished sixth with a time of 46.48 and Anthony Pesela came seventh with 46.79.

Kebinatshipi’s coach, Chilume ‘Chippa’ Ntshwarang, said in an interview that he was happy with the athlete’s performance.

However, he said Kebinatshipi’s ability to run with experienced players and ultimately winning the race was an exciting development.

He said Kebinatshipi, who hails from Lotlhakane East, executed 70 per cent of their race plan, adding that he took time to take a decision as to when he could launch an attack

The athlete did not start well in the blocks, but he managed to recover quickly.

“Remember Collen has qualified for the World Championship which will be held in Budapest in August and he will be competing with the big boys, so the meet has helped him to know what to expect,” he said.

Ntshwarang, however, said the athlete would be competing in other races as a way of building momentum and gaining confidence ahead of the World Championship.

“But then again, the idea is to control races. We are not looking at dropping fast times, we need to run in such a way that we can keep our top three spot in the national team, that is one of the ideas that we have planned,” he said.

Ntshwarang said for now the athlete would be competing in some races in Europe and as soon as he finishes he would come back home to prepare for the championships. ENDS