09 Dec 2024

Despite not winning a gold medal, Botswana swimmers left an indelible mark at the just ended XX Africa Aquatics Zone IV championships which were held in Windhoek, Namibia. 

Botswana had sent 19 swimmers and they won 18 medals with a lot of them registering their Personal Best times. 

Out of the 18 medals, seven are silver and 11 bronze medals. Botswana came fifth out of 15 countries, which participated at the event. 

The Botswana Swimming Sport Association (BSSA) spokesperson, Gwendolyn Harry, said in an interview that they were happy with swimmers’ performance.

She said two young swimmers, who were making their debut in the regional competition; Jade Chilisa and Reabetswe Pabalinga did well and brought home medals. 

Chilisa won bronze in the 200m backstroke with a Persona Best time of 2:55.43 and won silver in 50m butterfly and freestyle while Pabalinga delivered a silver medal in the 200m backstroke with a Personal Best time of 2:55.35. 

Also, she said their senior swimmers did not disappoint as they also managed to win medals and clocked PB’s. 

“We are happy for the team, but there will be no rest for them because they will be competing in our local swimming competition that will last for five days,” she said. 

The team’s coach, Solomon Mpusetsang said they managed to win 18 medals out of targeted 21.

 “Our target was to register Personal Best times and I am happy that a lot of swimmers managed to reach that target because the ultimate goal is improve times in every swimming gala.

Furthermore, the coach said making it to fifth position out of 15 countries was a big achievement for Team Botswana.  Ends