11 Jun 2013

The 100m national record holder, Yateya Kambepera says the hamstring injury he sustained in May last year caused a drawback in his career as he had to take a break from many competitions.

The Kareng-born athlete obtained a silver medal clocking a 10:31 in the Southern Region Championships in Athletics. In an interview, Kambepera said, had he not taken break, he could have beaten Lesotho’s  Mosito Lehata who clocked 10:27.

The record holder indicated that competing in a race after a long break is never an easy task as one takes time to adjust and retain his form. Despite coming second, he said he was impressed with his improved time.

“I competed in the national athletics championships last month not completely healed and I didn’t even receive proper training but I managed to finish first,” he said. The 23-year-old stated that he would have liked to compete in more races last year more so it was an Olympics year but the injury was beyond his control.

Moving forward he said he wanted to be given a chance to participate in international races in Europe so that he could gain more international exposure. The sprinter indicated that there was no tough competition for him at home in the 100m and 200m.

“My aim is to continue training even though there are no races locally in case I get an international invitation,” he highlighted. He said his aim was to beat the world athletics championship qualifying time of 10:20.

He said getting sponsors would expose him to opportunities adding that training in more established and professional facilities would be an advantage. Kambepera thanked the Botswana National Olympics Committee for arranging for his medical treatment as he was completely healed and ready to compete. ENDS