03 Aug 2021

Botswana’s 400 metres female trio of Amantle Montsho, Galefele Moroko and Christine Botlogetswe has failed to advance to the next round at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

First to take to the track was Montsho, who did not finish her race.

Moroko fared better in her heat, finishing in position six, with a time of 55.89, while Botlogetswe stopped the clock in 53.99.

National team coach, Justice Dipeba, said lack of competition and injuries contributed to the women’s poor showing at the Olympics.

The coach said it had been a rough season for the women, adding that Moroko and Botlogetswe started the season with injuries.

He said Botlogetswe had a career threatening injury, but it was managed and rehabilitated, leading to her going back to track, albeit late.

The coach said Moroko had also been struggling with a hamstring injury.

Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile, said given athletes’ struggles with injuries this season, the results could have been worse.

He said Montsho started well off the blocks, but her body did not respond, given that the first 50 metres seemed to be much laboured, despite her having had the quickest reaction time off the blocks.

He said the athlete then tried to play catch up but it never really clicked for her.

Koothopile said the years of inactivity took a toll on Montsho, especially considering her age.

He said the other two had spent more time in the doctor’s inpatient wards, than they did on the track and it really showed, adding that even when they left for Tokyo, they were not at their best.

Koothopile said considering they improved their season bests, one could say they tried. Ends