08 Aug 2021

Africa has been experiencing a 4x400m relay medal drought, it was Botswana that quenched the continent’s thirst

The 4x400 metres relay team (men) has a won a bronze medal, not only for Botswana, but for Africa.

Only four African countries have ever won a medal in the men’s 4x400m relay since start of the modern Olympics in 1912.

South Africa won a silver in Antwerp during apartheid era, Kenya won silver in Mexico City in 1968 and gold in 1972 in Munich, whilst Nigeria won bronze in 1984 in Los Angeles, gold in Sidney in 2000 where they set an African record, and bronze in 2004 in Athens.

Since Athens Olympics, Africa has been experiencing a 4x400m relay medal drought and it was Botswana that quenched the continent’s thirst.
In the Saturday final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Botswana shattered its African record of 2:58.33 that it set in the semi final. The new record at the final was 2:57.27.

National team coach, Justice Dipeba, said he had no words to described Botswana’s quartet of Isaac Makwala, Baboloki Thebe, Zibani Ngozi and Bayapo Ndori performance.

He said he was happy that they managed to obliterate an African record they set on Friday, adding that alone showed that they were hungry for success.

“Unfortunately we lost the silver right at the end, but at the end of the day we are happy because we were using young athletes and they performed well,” he said.

Former Botswana Athletics Association, secretary general, Patrick Moesi, said the team was buoyed by the qualification during the semi finals. They showed confidence and bravery judging by the way they approached the finals.

He said high moral in the team showed right from the time they made their entrance into the running arena, proceeded to execute the race cleanly with each one of them giving their all best.

He said Makwala kicked off relay well land showed hunger for success in what could be his last appearance at the Olympics.

“We possibly lost a few seconds when Thebe was boxed in on the second leg, but he recovered to cover up lost ground. Both Ngozi and Ndori held it up well and were never intimidated by the big stage,” he said.

According to Moesi, the synergy in the team was great and applauded coach Dipeba and his assistant, Kebonyemodisa Mosimanyane for making the team believe in its  abilities.

“The leadership of Isaac Makwala cannot be downplayed, he led the team with distinction on the track and inspired the next generation of athletes. Having given so much to the sport, the medal was well deserved. He and the team have made history,” he said.

Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile, said the team set new national and African records; a fitting farewell for Makwala.

“As senior in the team, he has led the young team very well.

Despite a slowest reaction off the block, he led well. His split of 43.8 was the fastest. Thebe also showed some flashes of his brilliance despite nearly being tripped.

He managed to cut inside and lead at the right time thus giving Botswana the advantage of the inside lane,” he said.

Koothopile said the fact Thebe managed to hold on and finish his leg still in second position was a credit to him.

“Thebe and Makwala led the inexperienced duo of Ngozi and Ndori well and I believe their experience gave them the right platform to perform.

And what a performance it has been for the two!  Ngozi has been impressive in the third leg. It is a pity he blossoms very late as he is already 28, but one can hope he can improve,” he said.

Talking about Ndori, he said despite being the youngest of the quartet, he anchored the race well, adding that normally, anchoring was reserved for the fastest and well experienced athletes.

“But the young Ndori has displayed maturity beyond his years in the role of an anchor.

The mere fact that he took in third, momentarily challenging to take Botswana to silver position before settling for bronze was commendable. bWith him and Thebe still 22 and 24 respectively, this bodes well for the future.  We have a good foundation on which we can build for our future,” he said. ENDS