22 Aug 2019

Botswana’s 400 metres runner, Christine Botlogetswe, will compete in a Diamond League meeting in Paris tomorrow at 8:48p.m.

 It remains to be seen how, after missing in action for almost a month due to minor injury, she would handle the last Diamond league race before the Zurich final.

Botlogetswe would be up against French sprinters Amandine Brossier and Déborah Sananes, Dutch sprinter Lisanne de Witte, American sprinters Kendall Ellis, Shakima Wimbley and Phyllis Francis and Stephenie Ann McPherson of Jamaica.

Track and field analyst, Lentswe Charles, said he did not see Botlogetswe under any pressure despite having been out of action for about a month.

“Given the absence of Diamond League 400m defending champion, Salwa Eid Nasser of Bahrain who has been untouchable in most races, it is not clear who might dictate the race factor with a quick pace, as all quatermilers in the lineup have been displaying average performances in various track meets. They had their own race models and experience that make them Sub 52 and Sub 51 seconds 400m women,” he said.

Again, Charles said Botlogetswe was acquainted with all 400m race pace velocities, emerging from all lanes and was able to endure all paces using different biomechanics.

He said she should be cognizant of the fact that an appropriate race rhythm was vital for the total racing distance, success as well as avoiding oxygen debt on the second half, or second 200m of 400m race, and further manage and stick to her usual race strategies and put more effort.

“She needs to go flat first 100m on the bend, cruise on the back straight displaying her smooth stride and upright high speed running maintaining momentum, with good pace judgment on a sub maximal pace back straight conserving energy trying not to remain behind as well as good positioning early on the second bend and try to emerge first at the 300m mark,” he said.

Furthermore, he said 400m was won on the homestretch and good and poor use of energy in the 300m of the race determined the initiation or performance of the last 100m of the race, adding “that is where athletes who distribute their energies in an efficient manner with well-built core muscles especially on the lower body and well-built cardio would flow smoothly relaxed.”

On the homestretch, he said Botlogetswe should try not to decelerate or to flow with a non-decreasing velocity and sprint fast keeping tight as possible, displaying her aggressiveness, mental toughness and arm action towards the dying moments of the race as a tough contest towards the finish line was expected from opponents.

“She has a glowing Personal Best of 50.48 seconds time which is also her current Season’s Best. She has to secure more points for the Diamond league finals and might end up clocking a time ranging from 50 high to 52 seconds and with a wonderful strength and speed development she can display a good run that can help her emerge victorious,” he said. ENDS