06 Aug 2014

Botswana National Olympics Committee local organising committee chairperson, Marumo Morule says 400m world champion, Amantle Montsho testing positive to anti- doping test is a big blow for Botswana.

Nevertheless, he said despite the A sample found to contain methylhexaneamine that was a prohibited stimulant, they were awaiting the result of sample B, which might take some time for the results to be announced.

Morule stated at a press conference in Gaborone on August 5  that as BNOC they wanted the correct information to be communicated to Batswana as her failing the first test was not the final verdict for Montsho.

He said they were supporting the athlete the best way they could as the chef de mission was still with the athlete in Glasgow to offer her support and get in depth information on the matter.

Former BNOC CEO, Tuelo Serufho said testing samples for anti- doping is a long process to go through and could take time for the results of sample B to be released and therefore said until the results are in, no suspensions can be preempted on the athlete.

He said in a situation where the B sample is adverse the athlete has the right to take other avenues and perform other tests.

On other issues, Morule admitted that they failed the Commonwealth Games team in that they did not prepare sufficiently for the games and hence failing to meet the seven medal target.

The chairperson said the biggest challenge was funding in that the preparations demanded thorough training ahead of the games.

He said some teams departed for the games from Botswana which was not part of the initial plan as they had hoped that the athlete will go on international camps.

Morule said the fact that they brought one gold medal out of the seven target medals is a reflection of the amount of preparations put in the games and hence the LOC takes full responsibility that they failed the athletes.

However, he stated that they take pride in the manner the athletes executed themselves and did the best they could.

The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics team will leave for China on August 12 for the games which are billed for August 16-28.

The country will be represented in athletics, badminton, swimming and Judo with a total of eight athletes.

In athletics, there are 3000m runner Kagiso Kebatshwaretse and 400m African Youth Games (AYG) champion Karabo Sibanda.

Taking on the 200m is AYG champion, Baboloki Thebe, 800m Gorata Gabankitse and the only girl in athletics Thandi Uerimuna who tackles the 800m.

AYG silver medalist swimmer, Naomi Ruele will take on the 50m backstroke, and 50m freestyle.

In Judo is Gavin Mogopa while Tessa Kabelo will be competing in badminton. ENDS