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Makwala struggles ahead of IAAF champs
Botswana's 400m race specialist Isaac Makwala stares unforgiving future as he battles injuries and oppositions of many kinds to earn a qualification ticket into the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) world championships.
The IAAF championship will be held in Qatar, Doha from September 27 to October 6. Makwala who remains the king of the race might not make it as he struggles to shrug off the rust of injuries. He is expected to run one of his important race in a few days to record a better time that books him into the hallways of Qatar. The Tutume middle distance runner, arguably one of the best talents of this country is also up to correct the widely known meme that age is just a number. He is 33 and by this age, an athlete automatically loses a considerable measure of pace.
Makwala will therefore enter the European circuit in Belgium Brussels where he will be running his last race ahead of the championships. However, it is noted that Makwala's race will be outside the IAAF diamond league rules and requirements due to the nature of his injury. All the while, the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) is expected to call the team into camp to intensify preparations. Within the camp is the multiple ruler of the 800m race Nijel Amos. The pencil slim athlete is fresh from the IAAF diamond league competitions where he recorded mixed results. Baboloki Thebe is also available and is expected to take the button from Makwala as the veteran nears retirement. Thebe's future looks promising and has never disappointed at the international stage. Leungo Scotch and upcoming talent of Ditiro Nzamani are available for the 400m races.
In women category, still in 400m circuit, Christine Botlogetswe and Galefele Moroko are also fit to represent the country in the next few coming days. Moroko won gold at the just ended All Africa games held in Morocco. The 400m relay team for men is hopeful make the cut and the eleventh hour. The world champions need a total of 16 relay teams to qualify and as things stand, the team sit on the 16th spot and are not safe. The same fate might be suffered by the women 400m relay team whose previous qualifying time put them on the 12th spot. Contacted for comment, Tuelo Serufho, the Botswana National Olympic Committee Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said, "The championships are going to be held in a challenging climate at the end of what has been a long season already but what pleases us the most is how our athletes have approached the challenge and are ensuring that they peak when it matters most. The next three and a half weeks are key in preparing for the championships and we look forward to watching our athletes flourish in Doha."