3-1 Chariots Of Fire and the Eye of the Tiger: Great Experiences In Gaborone

Staying in new places every two weeks has always been stimulating (if not challenging). But residing at the Lolwapa Lodge in Gaborone was a real treat. First we had an en-suite bathroom. The room was airconditioned, The place was secure and safe (no rats either). And best of all, the Botswana National Track Team and Namibian National Boxing Team were staying there for the month in preparation for the Commonwealth Games.

So from Feb 10-24, I spent my days observing, note-taking, assisting, and when allowed to, joining the athletes as they prepared for the Games in Australia. The track team had a couple of medalists from Athens, so they were a serious bunch. Honestly, I wasn’t much use as a training partner. But I came in handy keeping spirits up at the track warm-ups, drills and serving as the video guy for the high-jumper and hurdler so they could analyze their technique.

The boxers were a friendly bunch (a bit ironic since they loved bashing the other Southern African teams during their Commonwealth prep tournaments). I was included in the training sessions by performing drills and sparing within my weight class. I suspect this was because (1) they thought, being Asian, I knew kung fu and could take a hit, and (2) they were short a couple of guys and needed a willing punching bag.



One interesting thing I noted was that a lot of the Southern African coaches and doctors present were Cubans: boxing, basketball, track & field. They all have been very successful with their work earning medals for the country that employ them.

All the bruising and muscle soreness did reap rewards though. I’m regaining fitness lost from the broken foot. And the best of all, I was made an honorary fan by receiving the official Botswana Olympic team jacket for a Cubs hat and a job offer from the Namibian boxing Association Team Manager to help in their marketing when I go to Windhoek (Namibian capital) in May.

A little sweat does go a long way.