17 Jul 2021

Botswana will be amongst 206 countries that will compete at the Tokyo 2020 summer Olympics starting Friday.

In athletics, the country would be represented by Amantle Montsho, Christine Botlogetswe, Galefele Moroko, Leungo Scotch and Isaac Makwala in 400 metres while Nijel Amos would run 800 metres.

In the 4 x400 men’s relay team there is Baboloki Thebe, Anthony Pesela, Bayapo Ndori and Zibani Ngozi.

Boxing would be represented by Keamogetse Kenosi in the women 57kg while Rajab Mahomad would compete in the 52kg category for men.

Magdeline Moyengwa and James Freeman will compete in weightlifting and swimming respectively.

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) had initially set a target of four medals, but the organisation's acting chief executive officer, Wedu Motswetla, said they were forced to reduce their target medals to two looking at a rate their athletes were qualifying before the Olympics were moved to 2021.

Motswetla said the COVID-19 pandemic was a blessing in disguise because more athletes managed to qualify.

“When the games were post-poned, we had an opportunity to prepare, hence managing to increase number of athletes,” she said.

Motswetla said despite qualifying more athletes, it was difficult  to go back to their initial set target of four because their preparation was affected by the pandemic and athletes failed to prepare well.

“Our two medal target is without colour. All we are looking forward to is a medal, whether gold, silver or bronze,” she said.

Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile, said  should Botswana win a medal, it would be from track and field.

“I am tempted to say we are likely to bring one medal and a second medal will be a bonus. Our most realistic medal winner is Nijel Amos in the 800 metres,” he said.

Koothopile said Amos was hitting peak at the right time and all this pointed to a medal, adding that the second bonus medal, if it comes, would be from the men's 4x400m relay team. 

 As for 400m, Koothopile said it would take a herculean effort for Isaac Makwala since the competition was tough. 

“But if he gets to match his personal best, more especially in the finals, he will have a shot. Makwala will however be very influential in the 4x400m relay success at the Olympics,” he said. Ends