23 Jul 2024

Botswana athletes recognise that stepping onto stadia, particularly at the highest level of competition, carries not only individual ambitions but also the hopes and dreams of the nation.

Athletes already in Paris, France for the Summer Olympic Games, to be held from July 26 to August 11, have one thing in mind, to raise the Botswana flag high and the nation will be waiting with bated breath as the country makes its 12^th appearance at the Games.

At this year’s Olympic Games, the nation will pin its hopes for medals on Letsile Tebogo who will be doubling in 100m and 200m as well as Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch and Collen Kebinatshipi, who will compete in 400m while Victor Ntweng will contest in the 400m hurdles.

Tshepiso Masalela, Kethogile Haingura and Tumo Nkape, will compete in the men’s 800m while Oratile Nowe will represent Botswana in the women’s 800m.

The 4x400m relay team comprises Scotch, Ndori, Kebinatshipi, Lee Eppie, Anthony Pesela and the team captain, Boitumelo Masilo.

The duo of Maxine Egner and Adrian Robinson will represent Botswana in swimming.

In an interview, Ntweng said he was happy to have made it to the Olympics team as his participation would also be special, not only to him but to the entire nation, because he would be the first Motswana to compete in the hurdles at the Olympics.

He said preparations had been going well, having recently competed at the Africa Senior Championships that were held in Douala, Cameroon.

“I am the reigning Africa Champion, so I have been working on my technique and mental strength because we are going to a very big stage,” he said.

Haingura, who will be making his debut at the Olympics, said his aim was to make it to the final.

“Whatever happens at the final will take care of itself. Personally I don’t have any pressure. I am going there to learn. 

Maybe we can talk about winning a medal in 2028, but you know in athletics anything is possible,” Haingura said.

Also making his debut is Nkape, who said had been training well in preparations for the Olympics.

“I know the last time the country won the 800m was in 2012 through Nijel Amos. 

At the moment I don’t want to promise the nation anything. I am going there to enjoy my race but I will do my best,” Nkape said.

The team captain, Boitumelo Masilo was also happy to be leading a united and committed squad. 

He said athletes were in fine fettle and the morale in camp was high.

“Anything is possible. We have a formidable team that is willing to fight and like soldiers, die for the country on the track,” Masilo said. ENDS