22 Aug 2021

 It was a scene to behold as Botswana’s 4x400m relay team (men) closed the World Under 20 Athletics Championships in style by grabbing a gold medal.

This became the country’s fourth medal (three gold and one silver) at the championships in Kenya.

The relay team made up of Busang Kebinatshipi, Anthony Pesela, Oreeditse Masede and Phenyo Majama summed up the win with push ups that commentators dubbed ‘Makwala reference, a Botswana national gesture’.

In other news, Pesela and Letsile Tebogo added to Botswana’s medal tally at the Under 20 on Saturday.

Pesela shocked many when he snatched a gold medal in 400 metres, while Tebogo grabbed silver in 200m.

This was Tebogo’s second medal after he bagged gold in the 100m final.

Pesela’s outstanding performance saw him record a personal best of 44.58, which was also the competition’s record.

The win also qualified him for the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon.

The Etsha 6 native almost gave his fans a ‘heart attack’ when he started the race on a slow pace, only to storm to the front in the last 50 metres.

 Luis Ferreiro and Antonie Nortje settled for silver and bronze respectively.

National team coach, Chilume Ntshwarang, said Pesela ran a good time of his career. 

Ntshwarang said qualifying for the World Championship was also a clear indication that the athlete was determined and focused.

Analyst, Lentswe Charles, said Pesela executed his race plan well. 

He said the athlete showed confidence, strength and speed as he powered to the front, crossing the line with a sizable gap between him and the second placed athlete.

As for Tebogo, who had five races prior to the 200m final, coach Ntshwarang said he did not show signs of fatigue. 

He said Tebogo competed fairly as he managed to claim silver for Botswana. 

Despite the congested schedule, Ntshwarang said Tebogo displayed a sterling performance, hence making it to the podium on both races.

Analyst, Omogolo Ramoroba, said notwithstanding fatigue of competing in the heats, semifinals and finals of the two sprints, Tebogo maintained good sprinting form, kept a tight core helping him reduce energy wastage from unnecessary movements.

“The boy has good blend of powerful strides, great technique and a great deal of speed, speed endurance and fighting spirit,” says Ramaroba. ENDS