The Unlikely Sprinting Superpower

Botswana’s rapid ascent to the top of men’s sprinting has left many in the athletics world perplexed. A country with a population of 2.5 million, larger by area than Spain but with limited resources, suddenly became a powerhouse in track and field.

The answer lies not only in the impressive talent of athletes like Collen Kebinatshipi and Letsile Tebogo but also in the long-term investment made by the Botswana Athletics Association in young athletes. The association’s chief executive, Mabua Mabua, credits years of work with school sports programs that identified and nurtured talented youth.

These programs have been highly effective, as evident from the fact that almost all of Botswana’s top athletes come from this initiative. However, despite its achievements, the program was suspended in 2019 due to a dispute between government officials and teachers, leaving the future of athletics uncertain. “The pipeline is not there,” said Martin Mokgwathi, who chaired the world relays organizing committee.

This raises questions about the sustainability of Botswana’s athletic success. Can it continue without the support of these school programs? The lack of progress from female athletes also poses a significant challenge. While Oratile Nowe has made a name for herself as one of the fastest women this year over 800m, her achievements pale in comparison to those of her male counterparts.

The issue is not just about talent; it’s also about infrastructure and access. The Botswana National Sports Commission runs programs for 15 sports to spot and nurture talent, but these initiatives are not without their challenges. Twice-yearly holiday camps aim to identify older students for centers of sports excellence, selecting only 30-40 students each year for athletics.

Many young athletes face significant barriers in pursuing their dreams. Registration fees for Isaac Makwala’s Athletics Academy, which has produced several top athletes, can be as high as £5.50 a month. For families struggling to make ends meet, this is an insurmountable obstacle.

The story of Resego Kelly Makwala, the daughter of Olympic champion Isaac Makwala and a 14-year-old under-18 girls champion in 400m, highlights the importance of access to quality coaching and training facilities. Her mother, Tuduetso Gaboutloeloe, a tax collector, admitted that without her husband’s support, they would not have been able to afford the fees.

Botswana’s athletic future hinges on addressing the systemic issues holding back its female and younger athletes. Investing more resources into programs like school sports initiatives and centers of sports excellence is essential. Greater support for young athletes, including access to quality coaching and training facilities, is also crucial.

The road ahead will be challenging, but with continued investment and innovation, Botswana may just prove that its sprinting success is not a fleeting phenomenon, but the start of something truly remarkable.