By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK – Namibia’s self-proclaimed internationally acclaimed long distance runner, one Gabriel Shokonowa, is at it again!
The self-professed long distance athlete’s latest claims that he has been training very hard for an upcoming international gathering, has sent tongues wagging among athletic authorities.
Shokonawa, a long distance journeyman runner has been in the news for many years with claims that he is one of the country’s top long distance runners, raising serious questions about his genuine credentials.
Although there are no records to back up his assertions, Shokonawa claims to have represented Namibia in 19 international races beyond Namibian borders.
He apparently “finished” 1st and 6th on the podium while he also clinched success in other elite races at major undisclosed events.
Shokonowa told New Era Sports in a recent interview that he is currently preparing for the SADC Games slated for the Oshikoto Region, next February.
However, the secretary general of Athletic Namibia (AN) Frank Slabbert is not aware of any sanctioned athletic event scheduled for that neck of the woods.
“We have heard about this athlete roaming around but we are in the dark about his modus operandi since he is not registered with Athletics Namibia, as required by the law.
Another source with intimate knowledge of the self- acclaimed internationally long distance runner, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, said the mystery surrounding Shokonowa is more than what meets the eye.
“He is a law unto himself and obviously untouchable, or else how does one explain an average individual athlete attracting more sponsors that the cash-striped athletic body or any other financially struggling sports disciplines,” charged the source.
Insiders at Athletic Namibia say, as far as they are concerned, no individual athlete is allowed to participate internationally or represent Namibia at any event without a written permit issued by the presiding sports body, the National Sports Commission (NSC) in conjunction with AN and this has not been the case with Shokonaua.
He is known for regularly raking in lucrative sponsorships for races he organises in his personal capacity.