Namibia’s representatives in marathon running at the ongoing 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, have promised to give it their all when they compete in their respective events on Saturday and Sunday.

Helalia Johannes, who became the first female to win a gold medal for Team Namibia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, will be making her third appearance at the Olympic Games on Saturday, while Reinhold Tomas will be making his debut on Sunday in the men’s marathon event.

In an interview with Nampa on Thursday, Johannes said her preparations have gone well since arriving in Japan.

“Unfortunately, it’s humid and hot in Japan. It’s not the same weather we train under in Windhoek but I am looking forward to Saturday and see how it will go,” said Johannes, adding that she hopes to do her best.

Meanwhile, Tomas told this agency that he is settling in well in Japan.

“I’m very proud of myself and happy to represent my country in my first Olympic Games. Japan is hot and has high humidity. Even though we don’t train in this kind of weather back home in Windhoek, I am now getting used it,” said Tomas.

Tomas added that he is ready for his competition and does not have any complaints thus far, and he too hopes to perform at his best on Sunday.

Robert Kaxuxwena, the coach of the two athletes, said preparation for the runners went well because they are mentally ready for their events.

“Since we arrived in Japan they have been well and I only expect them to do their best on Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

Kaxuxwena further called on all Namibians to support the two runners who are working hard to do their country proud.

Johannes and Tomas are the only Namibian athletes left to compete at the Olympic Games after Phillip Seidler, who participated in the 10km marathon swimming event on Thursday morning, finished 16th out of 26 swimmers.

Source: Namibia Press Agency