29 Aug 2017

Isaac ‘Badman’ Makwala is expected to wrap up his season in style at the IAAF World Challenge meeting in Zagreb.

The athlete has recorded good times in World challenges, and it was during the Madrid World Challenge that he became the first man in history to run 200 metres within 20 seconds and 400 metres within 44 seconds on the same day.

Makwala also made history last week by being the first African athlete to win the 400 metres Diamond trophy during the Weltklasse Zürich Diamond League final held at Letzigrund Stadium on August 24.

Since 2010, the IAAF Diamond League 400 metres championship has been dominated by Europeans until this month when the tables were turned when Makwala proved his mettle by winning the race in 43:95.

Makwala is the third Motswana athlete to win the Diamond trophy after Amantle Montsho won it in three consecutive years (2011, 2012, 2013) while Nijel Amos  also won it consecutively in 2014 and 2015.

During the Diamond League final race, it was evident that Makwala would not settle for less and he cruised to the finish line without any challenge from Bahamas Steven Gardiner, who was expected to give Makwala a run for his money.

Gardiner slipped and fell from the blocks.

Analysing Makwala’s  Diamond League performance, sport journalist, Bapati Mmotlanyane said Makwala got a decent start while Gardiner stumbled on the blocks.

“From there, it was never in doubt Makwala was in cruise control. With 200 metres to go he was already on the shoulders of those on the outside lane,” he observed.

He said his acceleration in the final 150m looked classy and composed.

Furthermore, he said Makwala looked sharp in the final stretch and that there was day light between him and the rest of the field.

“Yet again another sub 44, winning the trophy I think was his moment of redemption after missing out on a medal at the  London Championships,” he said.

Makwala, he said, showed real character and put on a show for the crowd.

He added that despite Makwala’s good performance, one felt pity for Baboloki Thebe who missed out on the final after an impressive debut season.

“But injuries are part of the game and he is still young. Next year he will be amongst the names headlining the league,” he said.

Makwala’s coach, Justice Dipeba said he was happy that finally Makwala had his name engraved in the Diamond League winners.

He said preparations were great and that Makwala worked hard this season, adding that his season started slow and that it was how they wanted it to be.

Dipeba said they ensured that they did not start the season high as it could be costly in a long demanding season.

Their target this year, he said, was to be on the podium at the World Championships and qualify for the Diamond League final.

“It did not go very well at the World Championships, and it was painful to watch that 400m final from our hotel rooms. After that we decided to move on, and say we got one bigger race so let’s focus on it,” he said.

He said they took solace in the good times that Makwala clocked this season, and that he knew the athlete stood a good chance of winning the Diamond trophy.

“You could tell from his words after Birmingham that he wanted this trophy, and he said, ‘hi coach now I am ready for the final in Zurich,' and when he said that, I knew he was ready to go,” he said.                     

Talking about Makwala’s good finishing technique this season, Dipeba said they had changed the approach a little bit.

He said they do not attack too hard in the first 250m given that he has speed to burn, and that he can cruise at high speed and safe the best for last.

Meanwhile, the final leg of the Diamond League will be held in Brussels on Friday.

Amos will line up in the 800 metres final. ENDS