SHATTERED DREAM WATCH: Botswana Athletics Association to blame for Letsile’s rejected record.
Botswana Athletics Association(BAA) say they take full responsibility for the mishap that befell local athletics on Thursday when World Athletics rejected the record set by Botswana’s junior athlete Tebogo Letsile in April.
The world athletics governing body dealt Letsile’s 9.96 100m feat a blow when the fast run was not ratified as a World U20 Record.
“This serves to inform your esteemed selves that the World Athletics has taken a decision not to Ratify Letsile Tebogo’s time of 9.96 as a World Under-20 Record, set in the men’s 100m on the 30th of April 2022, during the Gaborone International Meet Continental Bronze Tour. BAA ascertains that despite the outcome of the World Record, the time remains valid as a National Record, Area U20 Record and a qualifier for the Oregon 22 World Championships.
The decision resulted from lack of conducting a zero- gun test during the test of the timing equipment, which is required to confirm the accuracy of timing equipment prior to a race. Nonetheless, the zero test was conducted post the event which World Athletics acknowledged and appraised. Due to submission post the event, World Athletics could not consider the application.
The Botswana Athletics Association bears full responsibility of the outcome.
We highly appreciate your understanding on the matter.”