KINTELE – Four Namibian sprinters failed to reach the final of the 100m at the All Africa Games underway in Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo.
The runners have been based in Jamaica since September 2013 on government scholarships in efforts to improve their performances and the country ‘s chances of winning medals at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
They are Globine Mayova, Jesse Uri-khob, Hitjivirue Kaanjuka and Dantango Gurirab. Mayova pulled a hamstring before her semi-final race and could not compete further.
Uri-khob, Kaanjuka and Gurirab failed to finish in the top two positions in their respective heats and fell by the wayside.
Uri-khob finished seventh in his heat in a time of 10,49 seconds, while Kaanjuka was red-carded for a false start. Gurirab ran 10,39 seconds to finish third in his heat and missed out on the best loser spot.
The best time in the heats came from Ogho Oghene Egwero from Nigeria who ran 10,06 seconds.
Meanwhile, two more Namibian athletes also studying in Jamaica, reached the semi-finals of the men ‘s and women ‘s 400m sprints.
Tjipekapora Herunga dominated her heat, finishing first in 53,40 seconds, while Ernst Narib finished fourth in 47,07 seconds.
The best time of the 400m heats in the women ‘s category came from Kabange Mupopo from Zambia with 51,19 seconds, while Onkabetse Nkobolo of Botswana ran the best time of 45,46 in the men’s qualifying event.
Namibia has so far won five medals – three bronze courtesy of swimmer Daniela Lindemeier and two silvers from boxers, Jonas Junias Jonas and Mathias Hamunyela.
The games end on Saturday. – Nampa
