In just two days, the heavy silence that precedes a gunshot will settle over the track, followed by the rhythmic pulse that every sprinter knows by heart – “On your marks, get set, go!”
On May 2-3, Botswana becomes the epicentre of the track and field world. The Debswana World Athletics Relays will see athletes from 40 different nations descend upon the capital, all hunting for podium finishes. But while the world watches the clock, the local crowd will be watching their own and it awaits the roar of the Blue, Black and White as Botswana braces for the Relays glory.
In international athletics, the home crowd is often cited as the invisible teammate. Normally, during these competitions, the host team receives a deafening wave of cheers that their competitors simply cannot match. The burning question remaining is, is Team Botswana ready to channel that energy into a state of frenzy?
The pressure is immense, but the camp remains a fortress of calm.
For star sprinter Letsile Tebogo, the mission is that the team has spent their time sharpening their skills in the quiet of Boteti, away from the noise of the city.
“I think we are ready to fight for our country,” Tebogo said, his focus unshakable. “Preparations have been going well… we asked the management to minimise meetings because, during race week, we need to focus. If there were queries, we left them in Boteti.”
His teammates share that quiet confidence. Bhekimpilo Eppie noted that the team is ready to deliver, while Obakeng Kameruka emphasised that the time for talking is over.
“The coaches have done their part. What is left is for us to execute what we have been doing at training… we have to step up and deliver,” Kameruka said.
Behind the scenes, the preparation has been a gruelling journey from Letlhakane to the capital. Coach Justice Dipeba has been monitoring every stride, particularly looking at the transition from the FNB Botswana Golden Grand Prix held this past Sunday.
“The focus is where we wanted it. We had athletes competing on Sunday and saw some good times, but we will finish up this week by focusing strictly on speed,” Dipeba said.
Ensuring those ‘speed machines’ remain operational is the team physiotherapist, Clement Gaothuse.
Gaothuse’s report is the one every fan wanted to hear, that the squad is at full strength. “The team is fit and injury-free. We can see the fire in them,” he confirmed.
As we approach the final countdown, the baton exchanges have been drilled, the lactic acid has been endured and the mental barriers have been broken. The athletes are locked in, the morale is high and the stage is set.
Expectation is hanging heavy over the National Stadium and the University of Botswana stadium.
Thousands will gather to see if the local heroes can turn home-field advantage into gold-medal reality.
Preparations are complete. The training is done. Now, it is over to you, Mr Starter.
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