After a disappointing performance at this year’s Olympics, director of sport Jo-Ann Manuel announced on Tuesday that athletes can expect to be more engaged in various activities as part of a strategy to increase Namibia’s presence at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

She made these remarks during the launch of the 10th edition of the Navachab Half-Marathon, where she spoke on the sidelines about the ministry’s plans. 

Speaking to this publication, she shared her thoughts on the recent Olympics, touching on key moments such as America’s Noah Lyles narrowly edging Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson by just .005 seconds to win the men’s 100-metre final at Paris 2024.

Regarding the performance of Namibian athletes, the sport director expressed her dissatisfaction with the results, noting that while there is room for improvement, there are many lessons to be learned from this year’s Olympics.

She emphasised the need for the government and various sports codes to begin groundwork now for the next Olympic Games. “We had a meeting with the minister and other stakeholders, where she expressed her disappointment in Team Namibia’s Olympic participation. She stated that it would be the last time she wants to see Namibia field only four athletes at such a prestigious competition,” Manuel revealed.

Looking ahead, she mentioned that they are currently exploring several strategies to better prepare teams for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. One of the approaches includes the introduction of preparatory funds dedicated to supporting athletes at various international events. “This also includes the reward policy, where we’ve decided that winners should receive their prize money upon arrival, which would assist them in their preparations for the Olympics,” she added. 

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na