The victorious Team Namibia arrived home from Nairobi, Kenya on Monday, where they had participated in the 2021 World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

The team, comprised of Olympic silver medallist Christine Mboma, Beatrice Masilingi, Ndawana Haitembu, Carien Oosthuizen, Nandi Vass and Elvis Gaseb, participated in the 100 metres (m), 200m and 4x100m relay race.

Also part of the team were officials Meriam Minin (team leader); Henk Botha (coach) and Nomin Lucas (COVID-19 liaison officer). The team was met by a sizeable crowd of their families, athletics officials, Namibia Sports Commission employees, and the media at the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Speaking upon arrival, Botha said he was happy with the results.

“I am very proud and excited for the girls and Elvis. We must realise that this is a world championship, not a small event. I can really see a bright future for these young athletes,” Botha said, adding that they are waiting for confirmation to announce a big surprise regarding Mboma and Masilingi and went on to suggest that one of them may participate in the finals of the Diamond League in Zürich later this year.

On her part, Mboma, a gold medallist and the World Championship junior record holder, said her first experience at the games was something to treasure.

“I was feeling a bit nervous during the finals, but I am happy to break the junior world record. I am thinking about trying to run 100 metres in the near future because I ran it pretty well in the 4x100m final in Kenya,” she said.

Masilingi paid tribute to the support they received from Namibians, saying it motivated them.

Meanwhile, Gaseb said he was happy to have tested himself against the best in the world, and will use the experience gained in Kenya to win future races.

Relay opening leg sprinter Haitembu said she was proud of the team’s achievements in Kenya.

“I was nervous but I made sure that I do not make a false start. I was also careful that I do not mess up the baton exchange and I am happy I did that well,” she said.

President of Athletics Namibia, Erwin Naimhwaka welcomed the team, saying they are now working on the National School Relays, which they are jointly organising with the Namibia Schools Sport Union at the regional level.

Source: Namibia Press Agency