09 Dec 2021

It would be an error for local 400m sensation Isaac Makwala’s historic solo race  at the 2017 World Championships in London to go unpenned. 

After being barred from competing in 200m heat for Norovirus, he protested and was allowed to run solo and qualifying for the competition’s semi-finals. The race, the first in the history of World Championship is a story of hope, bravery and integrity likely to inspire many from all walks of life.   

Speaking during the launch of Makwala’s 153-paged book titled, The Solo Runner, in Gaborone on Tuesday, the author, Dr Tshepang Tshube said that a lot of times there were role models with untold stories, which could have changed people’s lives. 

Dr Tshube, a senior Lecturer in the Department of Sport Science at the University of Botswana, said the profound lessons from the book that he wanted to share with the nation was that all athletes should develop skills in and out of sports, since the athletics career was very short. 

“Research shows that not all athletes reaches elite sport and those who reached it, do not always make money out of it,” he added.

He highlighted that athletes had to learn how to relate with people around them, adding that there was a lot of talent in Botswana but inability to relate well with athletes underlined their talent and they also needed to develop strong sense of autonomy in the decisions they make and the things they do. 

He thanked all those who played part in making sure that writing the book was successful.

For his part, Makwala said  his story would inspire a lot of people since he prospered to international stage despite not being the best in athletics. He attributed his success to hard work and determination. 

“From primary to junior secondary school I was not the best in athletics and most of the time I played football,” he said. After failing to proceed to senior secondary Badman highlighted that, his father instructed him to go to the cattle post where he spent a year, an experience that gave him time to introspect, consequently opening his mind to new opportunities.

“The following year I enrolled at Nswazwi Brigade pursuing Carpentry and Joinery, where I believe my athletics career started,” he added. Under guidance of Coach Zibani Molopo at Nswazwi Brigade, he said, that was when he learnt about hard work and determination.

 “That’s when I learnt about the principles that I still hold and believe made me who I am today,” he said. 

Makwala highlighted that he joined the national team at a mature age which was not common and attributed that to hard work as well as commitment.

He said the book would also give people courage that if you did not do well academically, there was still opportunity for a brighter future. 

Jamaican Sprinter, Olympian and World record holder, Yohan Blake, who joined the book launch virtually described Makwala as a magnificent individual.

He said Makwala was a fun person to be around, noting that the book would share his ethics and experiences, which would make a difference in many people’s lives.

Most of the speakers at the event, including Uyapo Ndadi, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) President, Paphane Botlhale as well as Mascom CEO, Dzene Makwande-Seboni attributed Makwala’s  success to his discipline, commitment and integrity. ENDS