24 Aug 2023

Botswana’s 400m sprinter Bayapo Ndori has been cleared off any career threatening injury despite failing to finish his race at the ongoing World Athletics Champions on Tuesday.

The athlete sustained an injury in a 400m heat which hindered him from completing the race, something that got many concerned about his fate.

Botswana Athletics Association vice president Oabona Theetso said in an interview yesterday that two scans were done and had indicated that there were no major damages to the sprinter’s muscles.

He said the scan had ruled out the muscle tear, but indicated muscle overstretch, adding that it was currently manageable.

“For fears of a recurrence, the coach would not want to risk and as such excluded him from the relay team,” he said.

Furthermore, Theetso said it would also be dangerous and risky to use him immediately as that had a potential to aggravate the injury.

“Remember he has already qualified for the Olympics therefore aggravating the injury means it will lengthen his healing time and that could disadvantage him in the coming major championships,” he said.

While cognisant about people’s notion that his exclusion might dent Botswana’s chances of bringing a medal home, Theetso was confident that they had assembled a formidable team, which was prepared to fight for the country.

 “Also, we have athletes such as Baboloki Thebe, Zibane Ngozi and Laone Ditshetelo who are still fresh, and we believe it is a plus for our team,” he said.

The relay team also include Leungo Scotch and Collen Kebinatshipi who have been competing in other events adding that he was confident that they could still do well despite Ndori’s absence.

“Our target is reaching the finals, as that will automatically qualify us for the Olympics, as we will be in Top 8 in the world,” he said. ENDS