With just 13 days remaining until the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, anticipation is building worldwide. The event, set to take place from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11, will host more than 10,000 athletes from over 200 countries, competing in 32 different sports. This year’s Olympics, continuing a tradition since 1896, will be a showcase of global athletic excellence, featuring disciplines ranging from gymnastics to swimming, taekwondo to track and field.
Lesotho will proudly be represented by three extraordinary athletes who have qualified for this prestigious event.
First among them is Tebello Ramakongoana, a long-distance runner from Qacha’s Nek. Currently training in Phoenix, USA, under Coach McKirdy, Ramakongoana will compete in the Men’s 42.1-kilometre marathon. With a personal best time of 02:08:09, he secured his place in the Olympics last year and is poised to make a strong showing.
The second athlete is Michelle Tau, an elite taekwondo competitor who stands as Lesotho’s pride and joy. Tau is ranked 26th in the Olympic standings, 1st in Africa, and 3rd among the world’s best female taekwondo athletes. Training under coach Hugo Tortosa in Spain, Tau is a formidable competitor expected to shine on the Olympic stage.
Mokulubete Makatisi is the third athlete representing Lesotho with long distance running. She earned her spot in the Paris Olympics through a universality invitation. Makatisi holds the national record for the half marathon with a time of 01:09:45, set in 2023. She is Currently training in South Africa, she has been impressing the international sports community with her performances recently and is eager to showcase her resilience and stamina her in Paris.
In recognition of their achievements and as a token of appreciation, the Minister of Sports and Tourism, Motlatsi Maqelepo, along with the government, has awarded each of the three athletes M50,000. Minister Maqelepo expressed his belief that this financial support would boost the athletes’ morale ahead of the games and serve as motivation for other athletes in Lesotho to strive for excellence.
As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, the hopes and dreams of a nation rest on the shoulders of these three exceptional athletes. Their journey to the Olympics is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and indomitable spirit. Lesotho will be watching with pride as Ramakongoana, Tau, and Makatisi compete on the world stage, aiming to bring glory to their country.
