08 Jul 2026

An ambitious target of seven medals stands between the newly unveiled track and field squad and Commonwealth glory as the countdown to Glasgow 2026, billed for July 23 to August 2, enters its final stretch.

From Gable Garenamotse’s historic silver in 2002 to the golden eras of Amantle Montsho and Isaac Makwala, Botswana’s rich athletic history now rests on the shoulders of 12 formidable athletes ready to write their own chapters of sporting folklore in Scotland.

The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) has locked in the seven-medal objective by banking heavily on the country’s traditional sprinting talent and middle-distance prowess, a bold strategy designed to emulate and build upon previous historic feats.

Botswana’s deep relationship with the Commonwealth podium began 24 years ago at the 2002 Games in Manchester.

It was there that long jumper, Garenamotse leaped into the history books to claim Botswana’s first-ever track and field medal with a stunning silver, a feat he outstandingly duplicated four years later at the 2006 Games in Melbourne.

However, the definitive turning point for local athletics arrived at the 2010 Delhi Games, when Montsho secured a historic breakthrough, charging down the home straight to capture Botswana’s first-ever Commonwealth gold medal in the women’s 400m.

Since that pivotal night in India, Botswana has consistently stamped its authority on the international stage.

At Glasgow 2014, Nijel Amos captured the global spotlight by winning gold in the men’s 800m. Four years later at Gold Coast 2018, the nation celebrated its most historic haul of five medals where Isaac Makwala took the individual 400m gold, Baboloki Thebe grabbed silver, Montsho reclaimed her women’s 400m crown, the men’s 4x400m relay team stormed to gold while the women’s 4x400m relay secured a bronze.

Most recently, at Birmingham 2022, the men’s 4x400m relay team kept the momentum alive by capturing a hard-fought silver medal.

Looking to replicate those golden eras, the BNOC recently finalised the 12-strong athletics squad heading back to Scottish soil.

The men’s charge features a lethal mix of speed and endurance, led by Prince Selepe (100m and 200m), Justice Oratile (200m), Bhekimpilo Eppie (400m), Kemorena Tisang (400m hurdles), Ketlhobogile Haingura (800m) and Tshepiso Masalela (one mile).

Matching them in ambition, the equally formidable women’s contingent features Boitshepo Kelapile (100m), Obakeng Kamberuka (400m), Kennekae Batisani (400m), Naledi Monthe (400m), Oratile Nowe (800m) and Tshegofatso Bojosi, who carries the field-event torch in the long jump.

With the opening ceremony just around the corner, the talent-heavy squad carries high expectations of a proud nation eager to see the blue, black and white flag hoisted high over Glasgow once more. ENDS