Makwala GUTTED

Botswana sensational 400m runner Isaac Makwala was disqualified from last night’s 400m final at the on going IAAF world championships in London, UK. To most local track and field supporters this decision by the IAAF stinks. Given Makwala's recent form during the 400m heats and the semi finals, one would say that something is not smelling right with this shocking decision.

Leading up to the finals last night Makwala was enjoying the best form of his career having given 400m World and Olympic champion Wayde Van Niekerk of South Africa a run for his money. Local track and field supporters and conspiracy theorist are up in arms as to what might have really happened to the 400m medal hopeful.

According to the IAAF, Makwala is one oaround 30 athletes at the World Championship who are suspected of contracting the norovirus or suffering from mysterious food poisoning. In an interview with the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) spokeperson Ipolokeng Ramatshaba confirmed that Makwala dropped out of the race due to alleged food poisoning. “What is strange is that he was not even tested for this virus.

He even said it himself in an interview,” Ramatshaba said. The BAA spokeperson said the condition required that Makwala go into quarantine for at least 48 hours. It is not a BAA issue anymore it is now a national issue. This is devastating for Makwala considering his age. He is now in his late 20’s and he might even retire before the next World championships.” According to Ramatshaba, Makwala had a 95 percent chance of winning a medal during the last night’s 400m final.

The runner consistently pushed both Van Niekerk and his compatriot Baboloki Thebe, recording sub 45 seconds in most of the heats. Nevertheles, Ramatshaba said the former McConnell senior school student has numerous opportunities to redeem himself. He is expected to compete in the eagerly anticipated 4x 400m races along Baboloki Thebe, Karabo Sibanda and Onkabetse Nkobolo.

The 2018 Commonwealth games scheduled for Australia are also around the corner. However Ramatshaba said they do not suspect any foul play or sabotage on Makwala’s side. This may just be a case of food poisoning. They might have served leftover at the hotel. Makwala who never went through development phases like his current Botswana teammates was discovered during his senior secondary school years at MacDonnell College in Tutume.