26 Sep 2016

Nijel Amos and Baboloki Thebe are in Italy for medical attention. Amos, who is an 800 metres runner, went for check-up due to an injury he sustained in the past and for which he previously underwent a minor operation at the same facility.

The 400 metres runner, Thebe, is expected to undergo minor surgery, to address a partial tear to a muscle. The injury denied the athlete from continuing with competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Chef de Mission for Team Botswana to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Moses Moruisi said in an interview that he was happy the two athletes were now in Italy for treatment. He said Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) had made a commitment that they would not abandon any athlete that got injured during preparations for and or competition at the just ended Olympic and Paralympic games.

“It is in that spirit that we have worked with the Botswana Athletics Association and the manager in charge of both Amos and  Thebe to ensure that they get the best medical attention”, he said.
With the two athletes fully rehabilitated, coupled with the good form of athletes such as Karabo Sibanda, it is expected that Botswana would put up a good show at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, putting behind the country’s disappointment from failing to win a medal at the Rio Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, Thebe  ranks position one  in the  2016 world lead times men’s under 20, followed by Sibanda in position two, whereas the duo are ranked fifth and seventh respectively in the seniors, while the  men’s 4 x 400m relay team ranks fifth in the world.

The team that achieved the fifth place feat at the Olympics was not in its full strength, missing strong athletes such as Thebe and Amos. Both Thebe and Amos are expected back home on Thursday. ENDS