Namibian Paralympic athlete Johannes Nambala dreams of breaking the world record in the 400 metres (m), and winning a gold medal. 

The current 400m record stands at 46.70 seconds, which was set in September 2021 by Algeria’s Skander Djamil Athmani. 

In June, at the Onkpara-Athletiek Dutch Open National Championships in the Netherlands, the Namibian ran a time of 50.01 seconds in the 400m. He aspires to push himself further to break the record.

Nambala, who is visually impaired due to complications at birth, grew up in Ongwediva, a town in northern Namibia. 

He is one of the athletes representing the country at the upcoming France Paralympic Games, set for 28 August to 8 September.

In a video recorded by Sport on the Move, Nambala shared that growing up with a disability was challenging, especially outside the school environment. 

He noted that people often doubted his abilities, and that he sometimes faced bullying. 

He advised others with disabilities not to give up, sharing that everything happens for a reason. 

He encouraged them to use their talents, and focus on their strengths if academics do not work out.

Currently training in Europe, he expects good results in the upcoming games. 

His record is exemplary, as he became the first Namibian to win a gold medal at the 2019 International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships by winning the 400m sprint in Lyon. 

In addition to his World Championship success, he has won two silver medals at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The athletes selected to represent Namibia at the Games also include Ananias Shikongo in the T11 category (100m and 400m), Lahja Ishitile in the T11 category (100m, 200m and 400m), Chris Kinda in the T11 category (100m and 200m) and Petrus Karuli in the T37 category (100m, 200m and 400m).

Michael Hamukwaya, the secretary general of the Namibian Paralympic Committee, last week announced that they await confirmation for another slot that might allow them to add an athlete for archery. 

If the slot becomes available, Katherine Fenter would be the athlete to compete. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na