Thebe overcomes adversity

Local 400m runner Baboloki Thebe was overshadowed by compatriot Isaac Makwala in their 400m final at the Commonwealth Games in Australia earlier this week. However, the young athlete managed to grab the country’s second medal at the ongoing games. Despite coming short to the dominant Makwala, Thebe managed to beat tough competition from Javon Francis of Jamaica to claim a much-needed silver medal.

Despite being completely overshadowed by Makwala, the sensational 21-year-old runner had a brilliant race of his own and fended off pressure from two charging athlete including bronze medalist Francis and Indian powerhouse Muhammed ANAS Yahiya who settled for forth spot. Makwala on the other was in a class of his own recording an impressive 44.35 seconds. The injury prone youngster from Maun had to dig deep with pressure mounting behind him in the last 50 meters of the race.

The end of the race was stellar a photo finish as the reigning African champions went neck to neck with Francis. Thebe who has struggled with fitness and endured several hamstring injuries recorded an impressive 45.09 sec. Although victory was anticipated for Makwala the same could not be said for his struggling compatriot. Thebe was not convincing in the preliminary heats and the semifinal, nonetheless he picked himself up with a powerful sprint in the final.