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Namibians bask in Olympics glory

August 04, 2021

By Andreas Thomas

Christine Mboma

Windhoek – President Hage Geingob has joined other Namibians in congratulating sprinting sensations Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi for their electric performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Mboma sprinted herself into the history of the Olympic Games by winning a silver medal on Tuesday. 

The 18-year old eased to second place clocking a sensational 21.81 behind Jamaican great, Elaine Thompson-Herah. 

She also broke the World U20 record. Mboma powered into the final after running 21.97 seconds in the women’s 200m semi-finals on Monday. 

Her compatriot Beatrice Masilingi, also 18-years old - came sixth at 22.28, setting a new personal best.  

In his congratulatory message, the Namibian leader exclaimed, “Wow, silver for Christine Mboma! I wish to congratulate Christine for her brilliant achievement during the 200m finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As a country, we are extremely proud. An outstanding ambassador of our country, you have flown the Namibian flag very high. 

“Béatrice Masilingi, you have done us proud. You put up a brave performance in the 200m finals at the Olympics. Even if you didn’t walk away with a medal, the future is bright for you and we are proud of you.” Mboma became the second Namibian and first female to win the silver medal at the Olympics after four-time silver medalist, Frank Fredericks. 

This was a great feat for the Namibian youngsters who switched to the 200m race from their preferred 400m just before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Beatrice Masilingi

The World Athletics barred the duo from competing in the 400m due to their hyperandrogenism conditions. 

According to the World Athletics rules, they were not eligible to participate in the track events from 400m to 1600m.

The duo gained international limelight after they dominated the 400m track events in Europe this year. 

Earlier in June, Mboma won the women’s 400m by 48.54 seconds at the Irena Szewinska Memorial meeting in Poland, setting a new World U20 record.

President Geingob has also praised and thanked Mboma and Misilingi’s trainer and coach, Henk Botho ”for nurturing these exceptional talents.” Also, many Namibians have expressed on social media for Botha to be declared coach of the year for his effort.

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