Botswana’s 400m runner Collen ‘Badboy’ Kebinatshipi is the fastest junior athlete in the world after clocking 44.91s at the recent U20Africa championships held in Zambia.
The 19-year-old Kebinatshipi of Jwaneng Athletics Club has qualified for the World Championships which will be held in Hungary in July.
Speaking to Voice Sport, Kebinatshipi said he was happy with his time.
He said qualifying for the world championships now has been a relief for him as it reduce the pressure and give him enough time as he prepares for the Championship.
Kebinatshipi attributes his success to his role model and mentor, Isaac ‘Badman’ Makwala, who gave him the moniker ‘Badboy’.
“Makwala is always there for me, he is giving me guidance and always advises me to remain focused. We are left with only two months and I will have enough time. The competition in Zambia was very tough and it was through commitment, following coaches’ instruction and hard work that I managed to run the qualifying time for the World Championships,” said Kebinatshipi
Botswana athletics U20 Coach, Collar Mosimakoko, says countries have different specialties in athletics and that he can officially say Botswana is the best in 400m.
He said countries had brought their strongest athletes and that local athletes have learnt a lot from other athletes across the continent.
