Hilma Nalupe
The annual Quinton-Steele Botes Athletics Training and Coaching Clinic began on Tuesday and concludes today at the Independence Stadium in Windhoek.
The clinic, open to athletes from the age of six, aims to sharpen participants’ skills through training in speed, endurance, agility and strength, under the guidance of top coaches from Namibia and South Africa.
This year’s edition has attracted more than 100 athletes and is facilitated by 13 coaches. Two coaches are from South Africa, one coach is from Germany and 10 coaches are from Namibia.
The clinic covers several athletics disciplines, including high jump, long jump, triple jump, javelin, discus, shot put, hurdles and sprints.
Event organiser Leoni van Rensburg described the clinic as an initiative focused on refining athletes’ technique.
“After years of training, coaches develop a coaching eye, which allows them to identify and fine-tune athletes’ techniques to improve their overall performance,” she said.
Van Rensburg added that she hopes athletes will leave the clinic better prepared for the upcoming athletics season, equipped with new knowledge and renewed motivation.
Motswana athlete Kecedra Peterson said she decided to attend the clinic because it provides an ideal way to start the athletics season with improved fitness and motivation.
Renowned sprint coach Henk Botha said the clinic plays a crucial role in identifying and sharpening athletic talent across Namibia.
“You never know if you have talent if you do not try out. This is where we develop young athletes and later see them competing at major events,” Botha said.
South African long and triple jump coach Charley Strohmenger emphasised the importance of early technical training.
“When you start teaching athletes at a young age, you can instil the correct methods. It is difficult to transition from incorrect techniques to the right ones later in life,” Strohmenger said.
