Namibian sprinters Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi fell short of podium finishes in the women’s 100-metre (m) event at the World Athletics Continental Tour Golden Grand Prix held in Gaborone, Botswana, on Saturday.

Masilingi crossed the finish line in sixth place with a time of 11.48 seconds, while Mboma followed in seventh, clocking 11.88 seconds.

The race was tightly contested, with South Africa’s Hanna Hope Vermaak taking the win in 11.44 seconds, edging out compatriot Viwe Jingqi, who also clocked 11.44. 

Viktoria Forster of Slovakia clinched third with 11.45 seconds.

Namibian coach Henk Botha did not issue any comment following the race.

The men’s 100m showcased a stellar performance from South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who delivered a world-leading time of 9.90 seconds, outrunning Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, who clocked 10.00.

In the men’s 200m B final, Sinesipho Dambile of South Africa scorched the track with a world-leading 20.01 seconds, ahead of Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana, who ran a personal best of 20.13.

Meanwhile, Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo eased to victory in the A final with 20.24 seconds, appearing to cruise through the final metres.

Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori nearly matched the world lead in the men’s 400m, finishing in 44.35 seconds, just 0.01 seconds off the season’s best. 

South African sprinters Zakhiti Nene (44.68) and Lythe Pillay (44.97) also broke the 45-second barrier.

In the men’s 800m, Kethobogile Haingura led a thrilling 1-2 finish for Botswana, clocking 1:44.18, followed by Olympic finalist Tshepiso Masalela in 1:44.77.

The women’s 800m saw a standout performance from Oratile Nowe, who set a national record and secured a World Championships qualifying time of 1:58.96. 

Kenya’s Sarah Moraa took second in 1:59.46, while South Africa’s Charne Swart was third in 2:00.01. 

– lmupetami@nepc.com.na