08 Aug 2018

Team Botswana which recently competed at the 21^st Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Championships in Nigeria  arrived home August 7.

The team which was welcomed by Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Mooketsi Thari, defended the two medals they won two years back in Durban, but they were eluded by a 4x400 men relay medal due to an injury.

Baboloki Thebe and Nijel Amos successfully defended their titles in 400 and 800 metres respectively, while Christine Botlogetswe ensured that the country won a third medal after winning silver.

Team coach, Mogomotsi Otsetswe said the team did ‘exceptionally’ well despite the challenges they encountered.

He said winning three medals was something that had to be celebrated looking at the small number of athletes who went to Asaba.

“We had hoped that we will defend our 4x400metres title. However injury denied us,” he said.

For his part Thebe said the competition was fine without any pressure, given that he enjoyed all his races from heats to finals.

The 400 metres African champion said going to Asaba, he had one thing in mind of defending his title, in the event maintaining the sub 44.

Botlogetswe said in an interview that South African athlete, Caster Semenya helped her a lot in her race plan.

She said before the race they both caucused and the South African wanted her to finish on the podium, so that together they could represent Africa at the IAAF Continental Cup Ostrava 2018, next month.

She said she enjoyed the race, adding that they had also planned for the medal together with coach Justice Dipeba.

“I went to Asaba with a mission of getting  a podium finish. To be honest, it is something that we have been discussing over time,” she said. ENDS