10 Jul 2018

 

Botswana 400-metre runner Christine Botlogetswe, finished on position seven clocking 51.37 in her Diamond League debut in Lausanne, Switzerland on Thursday.

Despite finishing on position seven, it was clear during the race that with more Diamond League races, the Rakops-born athlete would be world-beater.

She started her race very well accelerating   into the curve out of the blocks, but her finishing was not as promising as her previous races.

One would think that because it was her first race, where she was lined up with experienced 400-metre athletes in the likes of USA’s quatermiller Jessica Beard, Courtney Okolo, Jaide Stepter and Shakima Wimbley, Jamaica’s Anastasia Le-Roy and Stephenie Mcpherson and, Bahraini track and field sprinter Salwa Eid Naser.

However, Botlogetswe said in an interview that she enjoyed her debut Diamond League meeting, and was also happy with the time she recorded.

Her coach Justice Dipeba said Botlogetswe staged a good run in her debut, adding that it was always difficult to chase fast runners.

“It was a top class field, and I think she handled it very well, and I must say I am happy with the approach.

We just need to keep working hard,” he said.

Dipeba said the athlete was growing very well, adding that she came out of that race with a good experience and the preparations were good.

“I must say we were happy to be given the opportunity and we went there looking forward to doing well and it was not bad, looking at the fact that it is our first Diamond League,” he said

Dipeba said in his view, the results were still good even though it was not her best.

Meanwhile, Salwa Eid Naser clocked 49.78 to finish in position one, USA’s Jessica Beard claimed position two with 50.40,while position three went to Shakima Wimbley with 50.58. ENDS