04 Jul 2018

Botswana’s upcoming and promising 400-metre athlete, Christine Botlogetswe will make her Diamond League debut in Lausanne, Switzerland today (July 5).

It has been only a matter of time before the diamond league invitation came through.

The athelete sent a very strong signal during the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games clocking Personal Best (PB) in all her events.

In round one, she clocked 51.73, then bettered the time in the semi-final with 51.41. In the finals, she stopped the clock in a very good time of 51.17.

She continued her feat as she finished on position two with 51.00 at the IAAF World Challenge Meet in Hengelo, Netherlands.    

She went on to run her first sub 51 in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming the third fastest 400-metre athlete in Africa this year, after clocking 50.89 and she ran 51.28 at Meeting de Nancy on June 27.

However, today at Stade Olympique de la Pontaise track, Botlogetswe’s mettle will be put to the real test against the 400-metre crème de la crème in the likes of  USA’s quarter-milers Jessica Beard, Courtney Okolo, Jaide Stepter and  Shakima Wimbley,

Jamaica’s  Anastasia Le-Roy and Stephenie Mcpherson  as well as Bahraini track and field sprinter Salwa Eid Naser.

However, the Rakops born is well cognisant of the strong field, and she is not moved by the big names in the 400m women entry list as her mission is to run her own race and enjoy without any pressure.  

She said in an interview that she had prepared well for the Lausanne Diamond League meeting, adding that her races in Europe recently helped her to maintain fitness.

“I am in a very good shape and looking forward to experience and run in my first Diamond League,” Botlogetswe said.

Athletics coach, Brendan Tautsagae said it was a very big race, as looking at the line-up, six athletes had recorded their PB this season.

“You can see the Americans want to put a claim to the 400m show as well! That goes to show you what to expect from the race,” he said.

He, however, said having followed Botlogetswe’s performance from her youth days until now, she had a heart of a winner, “this is where you normally see the best of her,” he said.

The meet starts at 755 pm and will be televised on Supersport 8. ENDS