Mikia Kalati
Top sprinter Mosito Lehata believes he still has a lot to offer his country despite failing to win any race in Europe over recent weeks during the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Diamond League series.
The 24-year-old remains confident he can still conquer the world despite trailing powerhouses such as Asafa Powell of Jamaica and American Justin Gatlin in the League—an annual series of track and field meetings the IAAA introduced in 2010.
The Mauritius-based athlete came a distant fifth in the 200-metre race at the Jamaica International Invitation, and fourth in the 100-metre race in Ostrava, the Czech Republic.
“As much as I would love to win every time I compete, I have realised that it is almost impossible to win each and every race I take part in,” Lehata said.
“I’m competing at the highest level where I meet the best in the business, so you can appreciate how tough it is to face these guys.”
Lesotho’s record-holder in the 100 and 200-metre races further said he would never give up or discouraged because he believes in his talent.
“It has not been that bad as I have also finished in third and fourth positions in some of the races I have taken part in and I feel I still put my country on the map against the best in the world,” said Lehata.
“All I want is for Lesotho to be there among the best so that the world can recognise our country as far as sport is concerned.
“People should understand that losing is part of the game, but being down today does not mean that we will be down tomorrow once again,” he said.
The sprinter added he would continue working hard after coming third in the IAAF World Challenge held in Rabat, Morocco last Sunday.
The Rabat race was won by Jimmy Vicaut of France while Qatar’s Femi Ogunode came second and Lehata clinched third place.
“I’m feeling good again, and have put my injury behind me, which I suffered at the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in July last year. With the way I am responding to training, I believe there is a lot to come from me going forward.
“For now, I’m back at my training base in Mauritius after the Morocco race and want to get a bit of rest while also planning my future schedule,” he said.
