Botswana’s Isaac Mukwala says he wants to be the best and take over from Usain Bolt. Speaking ahead of the Commonwealth Games, he said. “My aim is to become the best, to move up, and be number one.”
With the Iconic Usain Bolt now retired, Mukwala believes he now stands a chance at achieving his dream. “The 200m especially is wide open at the moment, and there is a chance for somebody new to try to dominate the event.” He added, “There’s Wayde van Niekerk and of course the Jamaicans, who produce so many good runners. The competition is going to be really good. It’s an exciting time for the sport.”
Despite the fact that the 31-year-old made his decision to abandon football and try out athletics at the age of 24, he has already made his mark at the Meeting de Atletismo Madrid, he became the first man ever to run the 200 meters in under 20 seconds (19.77) and the 400 meters in under 44 seconds (43.92) on the same day.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I think starting late means I took longer to get fast, and I am definitely peaking a bit later than a lot of runners,” he says. “I’m feeling really good at the moment, and my training is going great, so I’m looking forward to the Gold Coast very much.”[/perfectpullquote]
He has also faced hardships on his journey to the top especially with the weather. At Glasgow 2014, the sprinter admits it was too cold for him, a major setback that saw him eliminated in the 400m semi-finals.
“Scotland was too cold for me. I thought I could race to get a medal, but I don’t perform well in that kind of weather,” he says.
“Australia should suit me better. I’ve never been before, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing it. I’m excited and I think I can do well. I’m not yet sure if I’m going to run the 200m, the 400m or both. But I want to bring a medal home.”
