Tebogo will compete in the men's 400m race ahead of a busy season with all eyes on Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Speaking to MmegiSport, Tebogo said running the 400m is not part of his plans as he prepares for the new season. “There is no plan behind the race, it is meant to gauge if my injury has fully healed,” he said. Tebogo sustained an injury on his left leg during the 2023 Diamond League 100m final where he finished in position eight. During the race, Tebogo was seen hobbling to the finish line. During the Budapest World Athletics Championships, the athlete sustained a muscle injury on the right leg. But this week, Tebogo said he was ready for the BAA Track and Field competition. A strong field is expected in different events with Galefele Moroko expected to make a comeback after struggling for the past two seasons.
Other athletes to look out for are Tsaone Sebele, Boitshepo Moloi, Winnie Sarefo, Thomphang Basele, Bernard Olesitse, Kago Seshoko, Leungo Scotch, Bayapo Ndori, Pako Seribe and Thapelo Monaiwa. Despite the strong field, there are concerns over the timing that would be used for the event. MmegiSport is informed that the BAA has snubbed electronic timer, Tshepo Kelaotswe. He said it was not up to him to decide if he could time the event or not. “Timing is a technical assignment done by referees and electronic timing is a technical assignment done by learned individuals or organisations. I have no idea who would be timing, but if there are trained officials then they should be able to time,” Kelaotswe said. He said the most important thing is that this is an Olympic year and other major events and there is no room for error.
“We must not do any wrong at the expense of hard work put together by athletes and coaches to prepare for the busy year,” Kelaotswe said. Without mentioning names, the BAA vice president-administration, Oabona Theetso said they have capable referees for the department. Regarding the event, Theetso said preparations went according to plan. Meanwhile, 2023 national team coach, Chilume Ntshwarang said the BAA series would showcase how athletes and coaches have been preparing. “We will see how things go. We are not expecting anything special as it is (the) first race. The series should give us an idea moving forward. It is an opportunity for us to see what has been happening,” he said. Ntshwarang predicts a difficult 2023 season and as such, urged coaches to have a solid plan. He said if an athlete is of Olympic standard, there should be a target and what they want to achieve. “You have to decide if you want to go to the Olympics, then decide which races to pick and if there is support, they can compete outside the country. You should make sure that you do not over race or under race. As an athlete you should know what Olympics mean to you as an individual and the country,” Ntshwarang said.
He said athletes should strategise to avoid burn out. Ntshwarang said injuries should be managed but the most important thing is to prevent injuries. The weekend event is a qualifier for Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Indoor Championships, World Relays, Under 20 Championships, Africa Games and BAA National Championships.
