MASERU — Four local athletes are set to compete at the Mauritius International Neet competition in Mauritius on April 14 as Lesotho steps up its preparations for the London Olympics.
The Lesotho Athletics Amateur Association (LAAA) this week said two of the athletes will leave for Mauritius on April 11.
Two other athletes are already in Mauritius preparing for the event.
The four are sprinter Tśepo Kotsokoane and 800 metres runner Liteboho Makhatseane, and track runners Selloane Tšoaeli and Mosito Lehata.
LAAA public relations officer, Sejanamane Maphathe, said the purpose of the competition is to increase Lesotho’s chances of qualifying for the London Olympic Games.
“The four athletes will be competing in the Mauritius International Neet athletics competition next month,” Maphathe said.
He said they were sending athletes who have qualified locally for international competitions.
These stand a good chance to qualify for the African Senior Competitions as well as the London Olympic Games.
“The more our athletes qualify for such major competitions the more we increase our chances of collecting medals at the end of the day,” Maphathe said.
Lesotho has never won a medal at the Olympic Games since its first participation in 1976.
The qualifying date for short distance runners closes next month while long distance athletes have been given until June to make it to the games.
