Local coach Henk Botha remains optimistic about track and field star Christine Mboma’s chances of qualifying for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, despite recent challenges. 

Mboma, who celebrated her 21st birthday yesterday, has until the end of June to secure her place.

Initially, Botha had planned for the silver Olympic medallist to travel to Europe in May for an intensive training camp. However, Mboma is still in the country. Botha explained, “We are dealing with an injury hiccup. It’s been tough, but we remain positive that she will be able to run the necessary time in the 200 metres (m) to qualify.”

The injury occurred during the Kip Keino Classic event in March, where Mboma appeared to pull a muscle during the 100m race. Consequently, she did not push herself and finished eighth with a time of 12.32 seconds. 

The race was won by African Games 100m and 200m champion Gina Bass of Gambia, who finished in 11.33 seconds, followed by Hamida Bassant of Egypt at 11.51 seconds, and Shannon Ray of the United States in third with 11.53 seconds.

Botha elaborated on their revised plan, saying, “Our original goal was to hit the qualifying target this month, but now we’re aiming for the first week of June. We’re currently arranging events in Europe to make this happen as soon as possible. I’ve discussed this with Christine, and we’re both still very positive. We’ll give it our all – it’s a tough situation, but we are committed to giving 120%. We still have until the end of June to qualify.” 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na