23 Apr 2026

The Botswana Golden Grand Prix will be the  go to event at the National Stadium on April 26. 

Looking at the calibre of athletes who have confirmed entry, spectators should brace for recording of fast times.

In the 100m men, athletes to watch will be Canadians: Jerome Blake and Andre De Grasse who are pitted with locals of Prince Selepe, Jayson Mandoze, Kevin Lobatlamang and Tumo Van Wyk.

In the women’s category, Same Mhutsiwa, Nancy Budzani, and Lame Kewamodimo will compete with among others USA’s Gabby Thomas, Kayla White, Lavanya Williams of Jamaica and Audrey Leduc of Canada.    

In the absence of Letsile Tebogo, Collen Kebinatshipi and Bayapo Ndori, 800 meters athletes Tshepiso Masalela Kethobogile Haingura and Oratile Nowe will be expected to spice up the event.

Commenting on the absence of Tebogo, Ndori, and Kebinatshipi and what will mean for the event, Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile said from a spectator’s point of view, it was a little disappointing to see elite athletes nowhere in the entry list.

He is of the view that their absence takes the shine off the event, given that the best athletes in the world would be in the country and were looking forward to compete against them.

“One can understand our elite athletes for seemingly being reluctant to compete here as they may be focusing on preparing for the upcoming world relays,” he said.

He however said their absence gives other athletes an opportunity to show that they also have what it takes to hoist the national flag.

“Among these is Tshepiso Masalela. He is currently ranked 7th in the world and has a personal best of 1:42.70 in 800m. This is still slower than the 1.41.73 record held by Nijel Amos since 2012.

Koothupile said like any athlete, Masalela obviously wanted to be regarded as the best in the country and will be eyeing this record. 

“One would therefore wish to see him break the national record at home,” he said.

Another athlete to watch is the 400m runner, Lee Eppie, who will be competing in 200m.

Koothopile said following what they saw with Kebinatshipi in 100m at the BAA Nationals, it will be interesting to see how Eppie fares in 200m.

“Others to watch include 100m runners Selepe, Lobatlamang and Mandoze. These three are in the country’s 4x100m relay team and will be keen to show the nation what they are capable of ahead of the world relays,” he said.

In the ladies’ categories, all eyes will be on Oratile Nowe, the women 800m national record holder.

Koothopile said focus would also be on the progress of women athletes ahead of the world relays.

“If you look closely at the entry list, our entire 4x100m senior women relay national team of Nancy Budzwani, Loungo Matlhaku, Kesego Kgari, Boitshepiso Kelapile, Katlego Kaisara and Same Mhutsiwa are in the entry list,” he said. ENDS