21 Feb 2021

 Sprinters; Leungo Matlhaku and Letsile Tebogo on Saturday shattered national standing records in the 100 metres race.

Tebogo finished the race in 10.14 seconds, thereby setting a new national record, replacing Isaac Makwala’s national record of 10.20 seconds. 

On one hand, Matlhaku also stole the show by clocking 11.24 seconds to replace Lydia Jele’s 11.39 seconds of May 2019. 

The duo also improved their personal best. Tebogo came into the meet organised by Sports View Runners Club track and field meet with a personal best of 10.49 seconds while Matlhaku on the other hand improved from her personal best of 11.39 seconds. 

However, the new national records were not good enough for the athletes to qualify for Olympic Games.

Matlhaku and Tebogo received P1 000 cash each and a trophy.

In an interview, Tebogo said with such a performance he was bound to realise his dream by qualifying for lucrative races. 

He was of the view that on a daily basis, he was transforming into a 100-metre star that could excel in world-class competitions. 

The sprinter said the national team athletes were a pillar behind his strength since they encouraged him to work hard noting that every chance that he got to be on the track, he devoted his energy to it.   

Matlhaku assured the nation to expect the best performance at the upcoming events aimed at qualifying for Tokyo Olympics and World Championships. 

The sensational 100m sprinter noted that even after almost nine months without training, the weekend performance was testimony to the fact that the best was yet to come.

Matlhaku noted that setting new national records was an indication that athletes were at their peak performance and that the upcoming national meets would be mouthwatering with the positive performance.

Meanwhile, Lion Den Athletics Club (LDAC) coach, Lebone Moreri, noted that lack of funds would cost athletes this year. 

Despite the financial constraints, Moreri said Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) did its best to help athletes.  

He, therefore, challenged clubs to augment what BAA was doing to produce athletes of the world standards at the upcoming events.

For Tebogo, the male 100 meters’ national record holder, Moreri said the young athlete had more to offer in the future of athletics. 

In other track events, Oratile Nowe finished first in the women’s 400m with 54:95 seconds.  In 400m senior men, Leungo Scotch emerged the winner after clocking 46:15 seconds.

The 800m women went to Laone Moloi at 2:14:14 minutes. Matlhaku also snatched the 200 meters sprint with 23:44 seconds.ends