Botswana Grand Prix: Five Talking Points from the Continental Gold Tour!

Botswana Grand Prix: Five talking points from the Continental Gold tour

The Botswana Grand Prix, which took place in Gaborone over the weekend, had it all. Fireworks, an almost sold-out stadium, and a star-cast of runners who ran various Personal Bests, World Leads, and National Records. 

Letsile Tebogo sends the home fans into a frenzy mood with his win over the 200m, new sensation Muzala Samukonga destroyed the 400m field, while Mary Moora showed why she’s the next big quarter-miler to come out of Kenya. 

1. Letsile Tebogo is better suited to run the 200m over the 100m for now

While one star in Isaac Makwala was fading into retirement after he finished outside the Top 3 in the men’s 400m, Botswana can hold their head high that they’ve got Letsile Tebogo, which is gradually dominating proceedings at the elite level after his exploits in the Junior ranks.  

Here in Gaborone, Tebogo once again proved why he is suited to run the 200m than the 100m for now. The world U20 record holder in the 100m took on African and Commonwealth Games Champions Ferdinand Omanyala and came out scathed. It was his second straight loss at that point prior to him racing the 200m.

Tebogo’s style of running draws similarities with Usain Bolt, and because of his beam pole-like nature, he struggles to get out of the blocks quickly compared to his counterparts. He was able to get away with it during his junior days. At the professional level, he will most likely get punished. And against an established runner like Omanyala, it was apparent he ran out of steam once the Kenyan was ahead of him. Nothing proper coaching can’t brush up, but he will have to get it with some of the best. 

An hour later, Tebogo showed why he is a force to reckon with over the 200m> less we forget he won the African title last summer. Being able to beat Joseph Fahnbulleh and Aaron Brown, both of whom are both Olympic Games finalists over the distance, speaks volumes of his talent in the half-lap. But if the Botswanan is to challenge on both fronts in the future, a drastic change needs to be made to his coaching set-up. 

2. Muzala Samukonga is exceeding expectations. 

What a talent we have on our hands! Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga performance in Gaborone can only be encapsulated in a few words. “Stretching yourself to the limits”. In the real sense, that’s what elite sport is all about. Going beyond limitations to reach new heights. And in an event like the…