Botswana’s quest for glory at the upcoming World Athletics Relays has suffered a huge blow following the withdrawal of star sprinters Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Collen Kebinatshipi.
The Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) confirmed on Monday May 5 that Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Collen Kebinatshipi have withdrawn from the national relay team.
The trio was expected to play a pivotal role in Botswana’s 4x400m relay campaign at the World Relays, set for May 10-11 in Guangzhou, China. Their absence deals a significant blow to the country’s chances of defending the title it won in the Bahamas last year.
BAA Statement
In an official statement, the BAA expressed regret over the withdrawals but assured the public that the remaining squad would give their best.
“We regret to inform you that three of our men’s 4x400m relay team members—Letsile Tebogo, Collen Kebinatshipi, and Bayapo Ndori—have officially withdrawn from the team for personal reasons,” the statement read.
“The Botswana Athletics Association Board has unanimously agreed to the trio’s withdrawal as per their request. The nation must rest assured that the remaining team members will do their best, and we urge everyone to rally behind the team as always.”
Olympic qualification and title defense at risk
The withdrawals come at a critical time for Botswana’s relay ambitions. Last year, Tebogo was instrumental in securing Botswana’s 4x400m victory at the World Relays, which also earned the team a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
At the Olympics, Botswana’s relay squad led by, Tebogo,claimed a silver medal, narrowly losing to Team USA, anchored by Rai Benjamin. With Tebogo, Ndori, and Kebinatshipi out, Botswana’s ability to maintain its dominance in the event is now in question.
The remaining squad members will need to step up in Guangzhou to keep Botswana’s relay hopes alive. The World Relays serve as a key qualifier for the Olympics, meaning the pressure is on for the revised lineup to deliver.
