15 Mar 2020

Amantle Montsho has qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after clocking 51.22 seconds in 400 metres during the UB Athletics Club  finale meet at the University of Botswana on Saturday.

Montsho is the fifth athlete to meet the qualifying standard after Galefele Moroko, Christine Botlogetswe, Nijel Amos and Keamogetswe Kenosi of boxing.

Montsho participated at the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics.

During the race it was clear that she had set her target as she opened a big gap in the first 200 metres, sending a clear message that she was booking a ticket to Tokyo.Montsho was followed by Oratile Nowe while Loungo Matlhaku settled for position three.

In an interview after the race, Montsho said she was happy that she qualified for the Olympics, adding that she had been preparing hard for the competition.

“I saw it coming, my body was responding and I felt good on the track. I decided to push until the end, so I am happy to have qualified and increased the number of Botswana athletes,” she said.

In other races in 400 metres, Boitumelo Masilo finished on position one in 45.64 followed by Isaac Makwala in 46.14 while Bayapo Ndori finished third.

In 400 metres heat three, Baboloki Thebe finished first in 45.76, Onkabetse Nkobolo came second with 46.25 while Onneile Phokedi clocked 46.57 to claim position three.

In 100 metres, spectators were thrilled by the return of Yatea Kambepera who clocked 10.55 in his first race of the season.

Position two was claimed by Amon Kusekwa while Michel Hocker clocked 10.86 to finish on position three.
In field events, Gobe Takobana jumped 2.04 metres followed by Widzani Mujangi with 2.00m while Leseso Lemson finished third with 1.90m.

National team coach, Justice Dipeba said he was happy with how the competition went, as it had managed to produce a qualifier and some personal best times.

“The times are very good and if we can continue to host track and field events, I am confident that more athletes will continue to clock impressive times,” he said. ENDS