21 May 2024

Thabang Mongathipa and Sethunya Majama have qualified for the 2024 World Athletics U-20 championships billed for August in Lima, Peru.

The duo booked themselves a space in the 200 metres category during the Debswana Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) national championship that were held in Gaborone over the weekend.

Mongathipa, Ernest Kumevu and Keorapetse Oreokame have also qualified in 400 metres while Majama is the first woman to qualify for this year’s championship.

However, Mongathipa said he would have to decide with his coach which race to take head on between 200 and 400 metres.

Majama said her aim was to qualify for the championships as three boys had qualified with no female representation.

Meanwhile, Anthony Pesela won the 200 metres race with a time of 20.59 followed by Kevin Lobatlamang while Leungo Scotch settled for bronze.

Same Mohutsiwa won the 100 metres U-18 championship in 12.23 sec and Mbekwa Star won silver after running 13.4 while Vuka Olerile finished third with a time of 13.64.

The association’s vice president, Oabona Theetso said although no athlete qualified for the Olympic Games, he was happy that two managed to qualify for the World Junior championships. ENDS