12 Sep 2016

Botswana’s only Paralympian, Keatlaretse Carter Mabote on Thursday (September 8) finished fourth in 400m T12 heat at the on-going Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Although he clocked his Personal Best of 51.33, Mabote failed to make it to the next round, thus returning home early.
South African Hilton Langenhoven clocked position one with 50.26, followed by Thomas Ulbricht of Germany, while position three went to Mabote leaving Ethiopian Tassisa Megersa Bati on fourth position with 51.39.
The last time Botswana won big at the Paralympic Games was in 2004 in Athens, when Tshotlego Morama brought home a gold medal in the 400metres T46 category with a World Record of 55.99.
Like Mabote, Morama was a single representative in 2008, but managed to finish first in heat one with 57.09 to proceed to the finals.
Mabote said in an interview that he did not start well from the blocks and picked very late in the last 200 metres.
He said he was happy that he recorded a Personal Best, adding that despite not proceeding to the next round, he had learnt a lot.
“Qualifying for the Paralympic on its own is a major achievement and I have learnt to be confident and believe in myself,” he said.
Athletics analyst, Billy Tambula advised that the Paralympic Association of Botswana (PASSOBO) should consider finding a Paralympic qualified coach for Mabote.
He said the athlete has proved his potential and he can do better if given the right resources and personnel.
“We should do away with coaching athletes only when they are left with a month to compete.
Someone should be there for him from the beginning of the season to the end.
Mabote's dedication has brought success but he now needs to be fully supported towards the next global competitions,” he said.
Athletics coach, Patrick Moesi said Mabote’s Personal Best will drive him towards the right direction adding that in future PASSOBO and Botswana Athletics Association should work closely in preparing athletes for major events.
He said the arrangement would benefit both parties and most importantly the athletes. “PASSOBO can benefit from the technical expertise that is at BAA and tap on it timely to prepare athletes for future games,” said Moesi. ENDS