ONKABETSE NKOBOLO’S OLYMPIC DREAM SHATTERED(26)
BY:Kabelo Seleka
It is now a pipe dream,Botswana’s 400m specialist Onkabetse Nkobolo ‘s dream for Tokyo 2020 Olympics qualification has been shattered by a road accident.
Onkabetse Nkobolo and Baboloki Thebe are reported to have sneaked out of the Botswana Athletics Association(BAA)’s Tokyo 2020 Olympic camp for entertainment at Trekkers Night Club driving Thebe`s VW Golf car.
Nkobolo is said to have in the process sustained a spinal shock,dislocated neck bones and torn ligament slimming his chances of partaking in Japan for the Olympics with less than four months to go.The driver of the vehicle Thebe allegedly was under the influence of alcohol had apparently lost the control of the car leading to the fatal accident and a career ending injuries to Onkabetse Nkobolo.
A mule close to the athletes told Sportsnation that the stars do not respect themselves and the sport.The mule further said that it is not surprising that top athletes get drunk while in camp with Olympic dates nearby.Moreover,the mule advised that it will take time for local athlete to take sports serious.
“And again these athletes should mind their status and position in the nation,if not definitely it will take time for us to change and be professionals,said the mule.”
BAA on the deep background official said the 45.10 seconds star`s spine has been heavily injured and will go under operation.Meanwhile, the official stated that Thebe has been released with no major injury.
“I have been out of town,but I can assure you that Thebe has been released,while Onkabetse Nkobolo is likely to go into operation,its bad,its not looking good,he may be out of track for a very long time,elaborated the official.”
The 26 year old Nkobolo has been for a long time promising a fruitful future as part of the heavy weights in local athletics such as Isaac Makwala, Nijel Amos, Karabo Sibanda, Botlogile Tshireletso and Amantle Montsho amongst others.
ONKABETSE NKOBOLO `S INTERNATIONAL HONOURS
1 x All-African Games winner
1 x African champion
1 x All-African Games Silver medallist
1 x IAAF World Relays Silver medallist
1 x All-African Games Bronze medallist
1 x Commonwealth Games winner
1 x In Top 8 at Olympic Games