12 Jul 2021

Botswana’s 400 metres runner, Isaac Makwala, was at in again when he clocked 45.16 at the Sotteville-lés-rouen international meeting in France on Sunday.

Makwala, who is part of Team Botswana at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is tipped to be one of team’s medal prospects at the games. 

However, during the Sunday meet, Makwala recorded a slow time.

Track and field analyst, Abobakwe Showa, said Makwala was the favourite on the field, since he possessed a better Seasons Best (SB) and the only athlete who dipped under 45 seconds.

He said his closest challenge were perhaps the Borlee brothers of Belgium, Kevin and Dylan Borlee who scooped position two and three with a time of 45.56 and 45.63 respectively.

According to Showa, Makwala ran an even paced race from the start since there was no clear leader in the first 200 metres of the race.

Makwala, he said, did not go as hard as he always does and did not close any stagger on United States of America runne, Aldrich Bailey, who was running on outside lane.

Makwala maintained and increased the tempo on the 250m mark and approaching the last bend, it was quite clear the Tutume born lad was going for victory, as he started to accelerate and pulled away from the rest of the field, demonstrating a better endurance.

Showa said with about 80 metres to the finish line, it was Makwala against the clock and stopped the race at 45.16s for a convincing win.

The analyst stated that Makwala ran a smooth controlled race, distributing his energy wisely hence he could not fade with the rest of the field in the home straight.

“Perhaps the worrying factor is the continuous declining times with the Olympics in a few weeks times which leaves one to wonder if it is a case of fatigue or having reached post start decrease phase, “he said. Ends