06 May 2018

Botswana athletes opened the IAAF Doha Diamond League on a low note with Isaac Makwala finishing on position three with a time of 44.92, while Baboloki Thebe finished fifth with 45.58.

Makwala, who was the talk of the town throughout last week, was tipped to give Bahamas athlete Steven Gardiner a run for his money.

However, that was not to be as Gardiner showed early intention of beating the 2017, 400 metres Diamond League champion as he maintained his pace thoughout the race.

Makwala and Thebe’s not- so-good performance can be attributed to the Commonwealth Games fatigue, and Makwala who faded at the top bend also ran the 200 metres in the Gaborone International Meet, where he clocked a time of 20.10.

For Thebe, the last 100 metres were like a mountain to climb, but indeed he proved to be a classical warrior, as he pushed until the finish line to register four points.

Gardiner clocked 43.87 in the event, breaking the Diamond League and his own national record in the 400m, followed by Qatari Abdalleleh Haroun with a Season Best of 44.50.

However, Makwala said after the race that despite not putting up a great performance, he was happy with his time, given that he clocked sub 45.

He also attributed his performance to the unfavourable humid and hot weather conditions as well as fatigue.

“Honestly, for me to run under this weather condition is a challenge, but what can I do, I will have to get used to Doha weather because that is where the Diamond League starts every year,” he said.

The confident Makwala said he was not shaken by the fact that he finished on position three.

He added that there were more Diamond League races lined up, and was resolute that he would perform well in the next meetings.

“The same line-up will be in Shanghai Diamond League on May 12, and remember my mission is to defend my Diamond League title. Therefore I am much focused,” he said.

For his part, Thebe said although he did not do well, he was confident that with time he would get the rhythm back.

“I expected the race to be fast with Gardiner and Makwala in the line-up, but in the last 100 metres, it was difficult for me, but I am glad I managed to make it to the finish line and earned four points,” he said.

He, however, said all was not lost because the league had just started and what was left for him was to meet with his coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe and rectify the mistakes. ENDS