Curtains finally close for Badman”
You didnt vote me to run and this is my career so you cant tell me what to do
Famously known for his signature celebration of taking push-ups after an impressive run during IAAF World Championship held in London in 2017, Botswanas top sprinter who specializes in the 400 metres is finally closing his athletics chapter.
Isaac Makwala leaves behind a number of golden moments created in his 15-year span as a professional runner and the most talked about athlete to ever emerge from Botswana. Makwala is calling it a day next week after the Wanda Diamond League that will be held in Zurich on Thursday and Friday respectively.
After the groundbreaking premiere last year, the Athletics Festival 2022 will be even bigger, made possible by the mostly free standing area in the middle of the arena. Taking a closer look into Makwalas career, the Tutume born athlete has had both blissful and miserable flashes, with his sprinting abilities hitting the very bottom towards the climax of his line of business. Makwala has been lately missing the podium finish, probably because age has caught up with him or perhaps sport politics had a shattering impact on his focus.
MAKWALAS GOLDEN MOMENTS
Isaac Makwala was the gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games in 2018. He has also won continental titles at the distance, winning at the 2015 Africa Games and twice at the African Championship in Athletics (2012, 2014). He also represented Botswana at the 2016 Summer Olympics, three times at the Commonwealth Games, and five times at the World Championships in Athletics (2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2017).
With the Botswana 4×400 metres relay team, he has won the bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a silver medal at the 2017 IAAF World Relays and medals at the African Games and Championships. His personal best time of 43.72, set 5 July 2015 in La Chaux-de-Fonds was an African continental record and ranks him number 8 on the all-time list, the second fastest non-American. He is also a sub-20 200 metres runner.
On July 14, 2017, Isaac Makwala became the first man in history to run a 200m within 20 seconds and a 400m within 44 seconds on the same day by running 43.92 in the 400, then 19.77 (+0.0) in the 200, 2 hours and 20 minutes later at the Meeting De Atletismo Madrid.
He qualified for 400m final at the 2017 World Championships, before being withdrawn from the race, due to illness. He then qualified for the 200m final, placing overall sixth. He competed in the 400m at the 2020 Summer Olympics, finishing 7th in the final.
MAKWALAS CONTROVERSY ON RECORD
Even though Makwala has a number of medals under his name, and has represented the country conscientiously, he has had a share of hullabaloo, ranging from being vocal about the ill-treatment, withdrawing from some championships to finishing last in his races. He poured some of his grievances on social media. Makwala retired from the Botswana team and withdrawn from participation in the Commonwealth Games which were held in Birmingham. The athlete said this was done to allow him to focus on the upcoming Diamond League competitions, which he cited as being his focal point, given the financial benefit and improvement to his general welfare.
Ok let me say I retire now. What will happen to your life? Will your life change? Will your salary increase? Will you get a job or a better one? I think the only people you guys should ask to retire are your area MPs, Ministers or Councilors people those are people that you have power to ask to retire not me. You didnt vote me to run and this is my career so you cant tell me what to do, Makwala threw jabs at some of the critics who advised him to take an early retirement.
In setting the record straight further, Makwala said For your own information, I am here by myself. I dont get any help or funds from Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) or Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) or government even. I pay everything from my pocket.
I think athletes should have their own reports when they come back from the games because they are the ones who get affected at the end of the day. There are lots of things that happen and they are never voiced out. These are things that frustrate athletes.
Did all my best today but it wasnt enough to take me to the finals. Its part of the game and I am really proud of myself. Its been a long journey from 2006-2022. I thank God for everything.
| MEDAL | YEAR | RACE | ||
| Bronze | 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games | 4*400m relay | ||
| Silver | 2017 Nassau IAAF Relays | 4*400m relay | ||
| Bronze | 2021 Chorzow IAAF Relays | 4*400m relay | ||
| Gold | 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games | 400m | ||
| Gold | 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games | 4*400m relay | ||
| Gold | 2007 Algiers African Games | 4*400m relay | ||
| Gold | 2015 Brazzaville African Games | 400m | ||
| Silver | 2015 Brazzaville African Games | 4*400m relay | ||
| Silver | 2014 Marrakech Continental Cup | 400m | ||
| Gold | 2014 Marrakech Continental Cup | 4*400m relay | ||
Sport
Debswana injected P40 million into sports
Debswana, the leading diamond mining company in Botswana, has made a significant investment in sports development over the past five years. With a total expenditure of over P40 million, the company has demonstrated its commitment to promoting and supporting sports in the country. This was revealed by Andrew Motsomi, the Managing Director of Debswana, during the BNSC annual sponsors night.
The funds were disbursed to various National Sport Associations (NSAs) to aid in their preparations for regional and international sporting competitions. The Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) organized the sponsors night to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of businesses and individuals to the development of sports in Botswana.
Debswana was honored with the platinum award, the highest recognition given by the BNSC, for its outstanding contribution of over P4 million to sports development in the financial year 2021-2022. In his keynote address, Motsomi highlighted the challenging global economic climate, with many companies implementing cost-cutting measures due to the effects of COVID-19, geopolitical challenges, and elevated inflation. Despite these challenges, Debswana remains unparalleled in its commitment to sports development.
Motsomi emphasized the importance of sports in the economy and the nation’s pride, as outlined in Vision 2036. He urged the BNSC and NSAs to adopt innovative and sustainable methods of commercializing sports in Botswana. This includes monetizing initiatives such as promoting athletic events internationally to optimize the sport value chain.
One notable contribution by Debswana in 2022 was its partnership with the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA). The company announced a P9 million sponsorship for the BAA, spanning three years from 2022 to 2025. The BAA will receive P3 million annually to prepare for major events such as the Africa Championships, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, World Junior Championships, and the road to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Debswana also sponsored the Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) awards with a generous amount of P412, 000. The partnership between Debswana and BoBA began in 2010, with the sponsorship steadily increasing over the years. The mining company’s support for grassroots development was evident in its P6 million sponsorship for the Re Ba Bona Ha sports development program, spread over three years from 2022 to 2024.
Football has also received significant support from Debswana. The company’s sponsorship has strengthened the Botswana Football Association’s (BFA) capacity to run leagues, organize tournaments, and develop grassroots programs. In the 2022/2023 season, Debswana renewed its sponsorship of the Botswana National First Division League (NFDL) with a contribution of P3.9 million.
Debswana’s contributions have played a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and gender equality in football. The company actively supports women’s football initiatives, empowering female footballers and providing them with opportunities. This commitment has led to the rise of successful women footballers in Botswana, inspiring a new generation of aspiring sportswomen.
Furthermore, Debswana demonstrated its support for the senior women’s national team by taking care of their camping needs before their maiden appearance in the 2022 WAFCON tournament in Morocco. This patriotic gesture provided the team with intensive training to prepare for the continental showpiece.
According to the BNSC, Debswana’s injection of over P40 million into sports development over the past five years showcases its unwavering commitment to promoting and supporting sports in Botswana.
The company’s contributions have benefited various sports associations, including athletics, boxing, and football, and have played a significant role in fostering inclusivity, gender equality, and national pride. Debswana’s dedication to sports development sets an example for other companies and organizations to follow, ensuring the continued growth and success of sports in Botswana.
Sport
Botswanaâs Paris Olympics dream in tatters
Botswana’s dream of sending a strong contingent to the Paris Olympics in 2024 seems to be a pipedream at this point. With just eight months left until the prestigious event, many athletes are still struggling to qualify, raising concerns about the country’s representation at the world’s biggest sporting event.
Looking back at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Botswana had a team of 16 athletes competing in various sports such as athletics, swimming, judo, and boxing. It was a successful year for local sports, as multiple sporting codes secured a spot at the Olympics. However, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which was plagued by multiple postponements due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Botswana’s qualification numbers slightly decreased, with only 14 athletes representing the country in athletics, weightlifting, boxing, and swimming.
One of the main issues facing sports development in Botswana is the neglect of certain sporting codes, particularly those involving jumps and other field events. This lack of focus on these disciplines puts the country at a disadvantage when it comes to ensuring a larger number of representatives at events like the Olympics.
In terms of athletics, Botswana has a strong track record of producing top-quality athletes. Letsile Tebogo, for example, won two medals (silver and bronze) at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Tebogo, along with Bayapo Ndori, Leungo Scotch, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi, and Tshepiso Masalela, have already qualified for the upcoming Olympics. However, the female athletes and others are still waiting for their chance to secure a spot in the 2024 calendar.
The situation is even more dire in boxing, as the local pugilists had a difficult outing at the Paris 2024 Boxing Africa Qualifiers held in Senegal in September. Most of the boxers were eliminated in the preliminary rounds, with only Keamogetse Kenosi making it to the quarterfinals before being knocked out. With two more qualification tournaments scheduled, there is still a chance for redemption, but the Botswana Boxing Association is awaiting the Technical Team Report to determine the final list of competitors.
Weightlifting has also faced its fair share of challenges, with Botswana’s first-ever weightlifting Olympian, Magdeline Moyengwa, forced to quit the sport due to unforeseen circumstances. The lack of funds has been a major setback for the weightlifting federation, making it difficult to secure a spot at the Olympics. Currently, only Alphius Kagiso is expected to compete at the Africa Senior Championships and the World Cup, which are crucial for Olympic qualification.
Judo, unfortunately, seems to be in a poor state as well. The lack of funds and inactivity have prevented judokas from competing and gaining the necessary points for qualification. Despite having potential athletes such as Tumiso Phuthego, Botho Babutsi, Lorraine Pulamoeng, and Tirelo Lekoko, the Botswana Judo Federation has been unable to secure the funds needed for them to participate in qualifying tournaments.
In conclusion, Botswana’s dream of sending a strong team to the Paris Olympics in 2024 is currently a pipedream. The lack of qualification in various sporting codes, including boxing, weightlifting, and judo, is a cause for concern. The neglect of certain disciplines and the financial challenges faced by sports federations have hindered the development and participation of athletes. However, there is still hope for redemption with upcoming qualification tournaments, and the athletes and federations remain optimistic about their chances of securing a spot at the Olympics.
Sport
BAA nominated for Member Federation Award
The Botswana Athletics Association has been nominated as one of the six finalists for the Member Federations Award at the upcoming World Athletics Awards 2023. This recognition is a testament to the association’s outstanding work and accomplishments throughout the year, which have positively contributed to the growth and profile of the sport.
One of the association’s notable achievements in 2023 was its work with sprinter Letsile Tebogo. Tebogo, a 20-year-old athlete, emerged as a rising star in the world of athletics. As a two-time world U20 100m champion, he showcased his talent and dedication by becoming a senior world medallist. Tebogo claimed the silver medal in the 100m event and the bronze medal in the 200m event at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. His remarkable performance made him the first African man to win a 100m medal and the first man from Botswana to win a medal in any event at the World Athletics Championships.
Tebogo’s success is a testament to the Botswana Athletics Association’s commitment to nurturing and developing local talent. By providing the necessary support and training, the association has played a crucial role in shaping Tebogo into a world-class athlete. His achievements serve as an inspiration and positive role model for aspiring athletes not only in Botswana but also across the African continent.
The Member Federations Award recognizes a Member Federation that has distinguished itself through its accomplishments and contributions to the sport. The six finalists were nominated by each of the six area associations, highlighting the exceptional work done by these federations.
Among the other nominees is Athletics Australia, representing Oceania. Australia had a remarkable year, hosting the World Cross Country Championships and the Maurie Plant Meeting, a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event. Australian athletes also achieved great success at the World Athletics Championships, winning six medals, including a gold medal in the pole vault by Nina Kennedy.
Chile’s Federacion Atletica de Chile, representing South America, has made significant strides in promoting athletics in the country. Hosting the Pan American Games and organizing five World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger events, the federation has doubled athletics participation in Chile. They have also focused on training officials and developing their Kids’ Athletics program.
The Real Federacion Espanola de Atletismo, representing Europe, had a successful year with their athletes winning five medals at the World Athletics Championships. The federation introduced innovative formats and projects at national and grassroots levels, while also working towards key objectives of the World Athletics World Plan.
The Athletic Association of Thailand, representing Asia, played a crucial role in hosting the 25th Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok. They have also established the Asian Athletics Association’s headquarters at Thammasat University, where development activities are held for the entire region. The association is actively working on developing athletics at the grassroots level and is a participant in the Kids’ Athletics program.
Lastly, USA Track & Field, representing NACAC, had an exceptional year with their athletes winning 29 medals at the World Athletics Championships. They topped the medal table and achieved championship and world records. The federation also focused on grassroots programs, coach and official development, and growing commercial revenue for the sport.
The winner of the Member Federations Award will be announced in early December as part of the World Athletics Awards 2023. Each of the nominated federations has made significant contributions to the sport of athletics and has positively impacted their respective regions. Their dedication and achievements serve as an inspiration to athletes and sports enthusiasts worldwide.