10 Apr 2022

Veteran runner, Isaac Makwala, opened his season in style, winning a 100 metres dash with 10.61 during the Botswana Athletics Association Series 6 at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Although the weather was not conducive, Makwala demonstrated class, teaching young runners one or two things on 100 metres.

Makwala, who has already qualified for the World Championships, shared the track with promising athletes in the likes of Thapelo Monaiwa and Anthony Pesela. 

Keene Motukisi trailed behind Makwala in position two with a time of 10.75 followed by Thapelo Monaiwa who clocked 10.85.

Makwala’s coach, Justice Dipeb,a said in an interview that he was happy the athlete finished the race healthy despite the wet and cold weather.

“We were very stressed and disappointed because the weather was not favourable for athletes and we couldn’t postpone as time is not on our side. It was important for us to put race up,” he said. He said the plan was to run the 100 and 200 metres depending on the athlete's body response.

“We have already qualified for the World Championships, both in the 200 and 400 metres, this means less pressure as we are not chasing qualifications. The intention is to stay in good shape and make sure we get things right,” he said. 

Oarabile Tshosa won 100m for women with 11.95, followed by Kelapile Boitshepiso and Christine Botlogetswe, with 12.34 and 12.68 respectively.

Olebogeng Segolame clocked 2:21.89 to win the 800 metres women's category, followed by  Batsile Gofiwa 2:28.08, while Olebeng Thuto finished in the third position with a time of 2:33.36. ends