That was during the Debswana National Athletics Championships at the National Stadium over the weekend. Sebele of Lion’s Den Athletics Club defended her 100m dash title stopping the clock at 11.28.
She continued her dominance winning the 200m and the 4x100m relay which included Nancy Budzani, Boitshepo Moloi and Tshephang Manyika. For his part, Monaiwa is the new men’s 100m national champion after winning the final in 10.31. Tumo Van Wyk finished in the second spot in 10.37 while Keene Motukisi settled for the third spot in 10.42.
Thuto Masasa, who also stood a chance at the title, was disqualified due to a false start. Monaiwa also competed in 200m and long jump. “My plan is to continue working hard, if things go according to plan, I will travel to Europe soon. I am happy with my performance at the national championships. It is an indication that I am in the right direction.
I just have to polish a few areas and I will be good to go. I am 13cm away from the qualifying standard for the Budapest World Athletics Championships in long jump.
Although I can still qualify through rankings, I am hoping to meet the standard,” he told Sport Monitor. Monaiwa said despite winning the 100m, he could have been happier if he won against his biggest rival, Masasa. Regarding the time that he clocked, Monaiwa said he was 0.02s away from his personal best (PB) which is 10.29.
“I did not want to focus more on time because I was worried about fatigue due to sprints and jumping the same day. Long jump in the same day was going to be a challenge, so I decided to target a win,” he said. Sebele said her plan against the national athletics championships was to defend her 100m title and improve her time.
“I also had better hopes for 200m with a sub 23 but the weather was not on my side so it became a race to the finish than time. It happens in athletics. When it comes to World Athletics Championships qualification, I am 0.2 seconds short in 100m, a block reaction kind of close, nothing a good weather and a field of athletes cannot push one to do,” she said. For his part, Masasa said false start is part of the game and it can happen to any athlete. He said his plan was to win 100m with a PB.
“However, being disqualified had an impact. I wanted to increase my points and rankings because national championships is an event that has high points. The next step is to work hard and prepare for the next race,” Masasa said. Tshepiso Masalela also had a good day in the office winning the men’s 800m (1:48.21) and 1,500m stopping the clock at 3:49.47.
