Local marathon runner Onneile Dintwe has set her sights on making the cut for the 2017 IAAF World Championships-bound national team.
If current form is anything to go by, the 30-year-old runner may finally achieve her dream of representing Botswana on the world stage.
Ever since the beginning of this year, Dintwe, who is now based in South Africa, has put up some sterling performances, both locally and regionally.
Having set herself a target of being among the top five regional runners, the Kanye-born athlete surpassed expectations, winning most of the races she has competed in.
A week ago, Dintwe raised the nation’s flag high when she sped through the finish line to clinch first place in the 21km Soweto Marathon.
Among the races she has comfortably triumphed in are the Diacore Gaborone Marathon and the PPC Kgale Hill Challenge.
Dintwe’s stunning performances have now earned her recognition in South Africa, where she is under the wing of Nedbank Athletics Club,
Under Nedbank, Dintwe will earn a monthly allowance and bonuses based on performances.
Aside from the Nedbank Athletics Club deal, Dintwe is also among 10 long distance runners under the Gaborone Diacore Marathon programme whose mission is to develop runners.
“All I want now is to qualify for the World Championships next year and this will only be out of hard work. I really appreciate Diacore Gaborone Marathon for identifying our talent and needs to be at our best. Diacore is assisting us by providing us with a coach and this has boosted my level of confidence and performance,” said Dintwe.
She said with seven months to go before the championships, the onus is on her to work hard to make it to the London event.
“I started preparations for the World Championships early this year as it will begin with the qualifying stage. It is only a matter of focus. I have done well this season and I have the confidence. I will either choose the 10 000 metres race or the marathon for the World Championship qualifiers,” concluded Dintwe.
