02 Sep 2024

Botswana’s search for the Paralympic medal starts today with Gloria Majaga competing in the Women 100m T13 at the ongoing 2024 Paralympics Games held in Paris, France.

Majaga is not new to the international stage as she had participated at the Paralympics in  Tokyo in 2020. 

As part of her preparations, she competed at the World Para Athletics championships, which were held in Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium, Japan, where she won a bronze medal. 

The team’s general manager, Monti Ratlou, said Majaga was ready to face the world, adding that she had been training well. 

He said he was confident that she would translate what she had learnt at training on the track. 

He said Majaga’s morale was high and she looked forward to lining up on track with the rest of other athletes.  The last time Botswana won big at the Paralympic Games was in Athens in 2004, when Tshotlego Morama brought home a gold medal in the 400m T46 category with a World Record of 55.99. 

And Ratlou said though they did not want to put the athletes under pressure, they were aware of the Paralympic medal drought. 

“We just want them to enjoy, and a medal will be a bonus. Any colour will be fine. To be honest, both Edwin Masuge and her were ready,” he said. 

Majaga will  also compete in the 400m T13 heats on Thursday and should she qualify for the next round, she will line up for the final on Saturday.

Meanwhile, ladyluck is on Masuge’s side as he will not go through the rounds, but will go straight to the 400m T13 final. 

Ratlou said they were confident that he would also apply himself during the final, adding that he also looked healthy and waiting for the big day. Ends