Africa-Press – Botswana. Several athletes have recorded personal best (PB) times, thanks to the three-day national championships that ended in Gaborone on Sunday.
The Debswana championships also helped athletes to gauge their performance as some will soon move to Europe in search of qualifying times for the World Championships billed for Budapest in August.
Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) vice president administration, Oabona Theetso, said in an interview that the competition went well albeit with little challenges.
He said the chilling weather hindered runners from going all out.
“Normally, when it is cold, it is very difficult for athletes to go all out because cold weather increases the danger of pulling muscles,” he said.
Theetso said he pleased by the return of Baboloki Thebe,adding although the runner did not feature in the final due to a muscle pull.
The 400m runner did well in the semi-finals, clocking 45.68 to attain position two behind Zibani Ngozi with 45.13, while Isaac Makwala came third with 45.82.
Theetso said the last time Thebe ran 45 was in 2021, adding his recent showing put the athlete in top six in rankings.
“Makwala also showed the young boys how it is done. He ran all his races well, his presence on track was motivating,” he said.
Meanwhile, Collen Kebinatshipi became the Under 20 champion in the 200m race, after running 20.48 followed by Abofelo Leitseng with 21.02, while Mahi Seshoka finished on position three with 21.23.
Kebinatshipi, who has already qualified for the World Championships, said he was using the 200 metres to sharpen his speed as he would be competing at the Fanny Blankers-Koen Games 2023, in Hengelo, Netherlands on Sunday.
“I think I have achieved what I wanted, remember the bigger picture is the World Championships, therefore, I think I am getting there,” he said.
The 200m senior men was won by Anthony Pesela with 20.60 followed by Isaac Makwala with 20.92,while Bonang Namogang finished third with 20.94.
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