The team clocked the national record of 3:15.20 during the Lefika International Relays that were held over the weekend at the National Stadium.
The result has elevated the team to rank number nine in the world, which is a qualification for the World Athletics Championships since the team only needs to be in the top 16 to qualify.
The mixed relay team comprised of Laone Ditshetelo (first leg), Lydia Jele (second leg), Baboloki Thebe (third leg) and the anchor was Obakeng Kamberuka. The team was pushed to the limit by B team which clocked 3:17.08, an indication that it also had talent that can challenge for the final team.
The B side was led by rising star, Kago Seshoka, Thomphang Basele (second leg), Clifton Meshack (third leg) and Chikani Golekanye (anchor). Thebe was a marvel to watch as he proved that he is back in shape after the few obstacles that he went through in his career. “My preparations ahead of this competition were perfect. It shows that I am reaching where I want to be.
I could be running in Europe right now but I decided to assist my teammates to push for the World Athletics Championships qualifications. There was a team that had kicked us out of the top 16. We are now back in contention, that excites me. I want to see our mixed relay team growing just like the 4x400m relay team. Even in Budapest I want to run in the mixed relay,” he said.
Thebe also said the competition was high, hence being pushed to run a good time. He said moving forward, it means the team is parting ways, with each individual going to focus on preparations. “On Wednesday I will be flying to Europe to continue pushing to qualify as an individual. I only need one or two races to clock 44.00 seconds and I can feel my body that it is ready to run fast times,” Thebe said.
For his part, Ditshetelo said coming into the competition, the plan was to assist the mixed relay team to book a space at the World Athletics Championships. He explained that the last time he took part in mixed relay during FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix, he felt that they could produce something special, hence moving it from 3:21.00 to 3:15.20. “It was a good race and we wanted our B team to push us. I also want to qualify as an individual like other athletes. With hard work that is possible,” he added.
Senior national team head coach, Chilume Ntshwarang said it is not yet confirmed that the team has qualified but the time they have posted increases chances of qualification. “Having mixed relay at the World Championships will be a huge step for the country. Our men’s 4x400m relay team has already qualified, which means attention has been on men, now mixed relay will elevate women.
It is a motivation for women. Recently women’s team has been marred with challenges,” he said. Ntshwarang said Botswana stands a good chance of dominating the 400m races, adding that there is a chance of having six athletes clocking 45:00secs by July.
He said other countries do not have that opportunity. He explained that the relay teams are selected according to rankings and being part of the team at the moment does not guarantee a space in the final team unless athletes improve their times.
