11 Jun 2024

The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) competition held on Saturday failed to produce qualifying times for the 2024 Olympic Games.

BAA vice president, Oabona Theetso said although their athletes failed to book a ticket to the Olympics and World Under 20 Championships, there were positives as some clocked their personal best (PB).

He said those who had already qualified used the competition to gauge their readiness for the World Under 20 Championships and Africa Senior Championships.

He said the weather was not favourable as it was cold and windy, adding that they were worried that no female had qualified for the Olympics .

Closing date for Olympics qualification is June 30.

He said they were still confident that 800m runner, Oratile Nowe would make it to the Olympics by ranking.

Meanwhile, in 400m men, Kabo Rangwe finished first with a PB time of 45.74 followed by Clifton Meshack while Isaac Makwala came third. In the youth category, Same Mohutsiwa continued her dominance in the sprints after clocking a Personal Best of 12.09 in 100m and won the 200m race with 25.10. 

Kyla Wright finished third with 26.84. In the 100m women, Tshephang Manyika clocked a Personal Best of 11.66 while Refilwe Murangi and Winnie Sarefo finished in position two and three.

In 200m men, Anthony Pesela finished first followed by Makwala and Kevin Lobatlamang.

In field events, Tshegofatso Bojosi was the toast of the day as she leaped to a Personal Best of 6.35 to win long jump. She was followed by Kendy Theetso while Ruth Roberts came thrid.

In men’s long jump, Thapelo Monaiwa finished in pole position while Norman Chibane and Ramatlala Tlhalefo finished second and third.  END