29 Apr 2024

There is a dire need for the country to invest in hurdles race as it has the potential to bring more medals.

Recently at the African Games held in Accra, Ghana Victor Ntweng and Kemorena Tisang were the first local athletes to win 400m men’s hurdles race. 

Ntweng and Tisang finished in position two and three with a time of 49.38 and 50.09 respectively.

Speaking on the sidelines of FNB Botswana Tertiary Student Sports Association (BOTESSA) Athletics Championships on April 27, coach Boxah Mosimakoko said they were still facing challenges in the development of hurdles race. 

He however said Lefika Athletics Club had found it fit to develop the race hence they always prioritise hurdles during their Lefika International Relays. 

“You will realise that during our international relays we don’t include any events on the day but we focus on the relays and hurdles only. We are trying to make them interesting to the athletes,” he said.

He however said there was a lot to be done, given that even those that tried to run hurdles lacked the know-how. “Hurdles are very dangerous and if you don’t apply the techniques properly they can injure an athlete,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mosimakoko said they had seen growth as some athletes had recorded better times in this year’s BOTESSA Athletics Championships.

He said the championships gave athletes the platform to qualify for major competitions amongst them FISU and African Senior Championships.

He said the 400m final women was won by Kennekae Batisani with 55.30 followed by Rita Jack with 55.91, while Warona Thonisani settled for third position with 58.26. Mosimakoko said the results had shown that the athletes were on the right direction and with more training, they could run better times.  He said the men’s 400m was won by Kabo Rankwe with 46.88, Tshepo Mooki won silver with 47.38, while Gaetwesepe Monthusi won bronze with 48.48.

He said winning by 46.88 was a clear indication that the athlete was not far from running 45, adding that what was needed was hard work for them to make it into the senior national team.

The coach said the national championships were a development and a relaxed platform, hence they should prepare themselves for competitive races at the Botswana Athletics Association meets.

Meanwhile, Pearl Masilo won the 400m women hurdles with 1:26.15, Kelly Nkabiti finished in position two with 1:37.91, Koketso Mosarwa stopped the clock in 1:55.80 to claim third position.

In the men’s category the 400m hurdles champion is Frecky Tshotlego winning with a Personal Best time of 50.09, followed by Tsaone, Motona with 51.69 and Gaetwesepe Monthusi settled for position three with 57.70. ENDS