31 Jul 2024

Team Botswana starts its track and field competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with Oratile Nowe in the women 800m race tomorrow.

Letsile Tebogo will follow with 100m on Saturday.

Team Botswana head coach, Chilume Ntshwarang said the athletes were in good sprit and rearing to go. 

He said the players were not under any pressure, adding that they were mentally and physically ready.

“There can be anxiety here and there that the competitions are now starting but it is normal. 

The mood is on another level, and let me paint you a picture, Batswana are a nation well known for singing their traditional songs, and therefore the athlete are dealing with anxiety by singing and dancing,” he said. 

“Some of these athletes have been competing in Europe, and that alone makes them gain experience and how to manage pressure,” he added. 

Though the athletes are aware that a lot is at stake as the country has only won two Olympics medals, he said they were not worried about that. 

“What they are focusing on right now is to hit the track and the rest will follow,” he said. Ntshwarang said the athletes would do all their best to represent the country with pride. 

“Their mood demonstrates that we are excited to be here, and we are confident to be here, and confidence translates into competing,” he said.

Botswana is represented by two swimmers, who have been eliminated from the Olympics and 12 athletes from athletics. 

Athletics team include, Tebogo, who will run both 100m and 200m, Nowe (800m), Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch and Collen Kebinatshipi (400m),  Victor Ntweng will contest in the 400m hurdles,  while Tshepiso Masalela, Kethogile Haingura and Tumo Nkape, will compete in the men’s 800m. 

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