08 Jun 2023

The first world qualifying relays to be held in Africa will be hosted by Lefika Athletics Club at the National Stadium tomorrow.

Initially, the event was scheduled for March 30, but had to be postponed due to logistics issues.

The relays will be used as qualifiers for for the World Athletics Relays.

The local organising committee chairperson, Ookeditse Malesu, said it was all systems go for the long awaited weekend meet.

He said Lesotho, eSwatini, and Zimbabwe had confirmed their participation, adding the relays would be used as major championship qualifiers.

Malesu said the countries would compete in the senior category being 4x100 metres, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m, 4x1 500m and 4x400m mixed relay.

The junior category will be in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and 4x400m mixed relay.

The chairperson said there would also be a medley relay, 4x100m and 4x400m for people with disabilities.

Botswana Athletics Association vice president, Oabona Theetso, said the association had urged their affiliates to host major events, adding that they were happy that Lefika heeded their call.

The relays, he said, were helpful for their teams, given the 4 x400 mixed relay substandard  position, being ranked number 17 in the world, whereas for a country to qualify for the World Championships they should be in top 16.

He said this meant that the team had to run a better time so that they could fall in top 16 bracket, adding that the 4x 400 men’s relays had already qualified.

The Saturday’s relays would afford the mixed relay a chance to better their stand, whereas it would be a preparatory event for the men.

“The men’s 4x 400 relays need to practice as a unit and gauge themselves against other countries ,and also work  on exchange of baton, while giving the coaches a chance to establish which athlete is suitable for which leg,” he said. ENDS