I see four medals – Fredericks
Former athlete Frank Fredericks has sent a positive message to Namibia’s Olympic team as they travel to Tokyo for the Games starting on 23 July.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
WINDHOEK
Frank Fredericks, the most celebrated Namibian athlete yet, used social media to send words of encouragement to Namibian athletes who will be competing at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“In a few days, the Olympic Games will start. All the best to all the athletes with their last preparations to achieve their dreams. The Games of 1992 forever changed my life. It was a wonderful feeling to be the flag bearer and also to be the first to win a medal for my beloved Namibia,” he said.
He added that he foresees four medals coming from the team.
Boxer hopes for medals
Former boxer Immanuel Prince Naidjala shared Fredericks’s sentiments and predicted that the team will return to the country with medals.
“This year I see gold and two more medals,” he said, adding that being a flag bearer at a such a prestigious event is forever special.
Namibia will be represented by ten athletes at the Games, after cyclist Dan Craven tested positive for Covid-19 only days before their departure.
The ten athletes who will represent Namibia at the Games are boxer Jonas Junias, rower Maike Diekmann and sprint sensations Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, who will be the flag bearers at the opening and closing ceremonies.
The other athletes are seasoned marathoner Helalia Johannes, Rainhold Tomas, cyclists Vera Looser, Michelle Vorster and Alex Miller, as well as open-water swimmer Philip Seidler.
Looser shares her journey
Looser used her social media account to share her experiences in Japan.
“So, let me quickly tell you about my first 17 hours on Japanese ground. It will be as quick as the welcoming procedures,” she posted.
She wrote that she left Switzerland at 23:40 on Sunday. “I was super excited, because it was my first time flying business class. What an incredible experience. I had a direct flight to Tokyo and I felt super fresh after the 11-hour flight. I arrived in Tokyo at 17:00 local time. Now that’s where the fun begins.
“After standing in line for two hours, we finally got to do the Covid test. But after that you still need to go through quarantine and immigration control. No problem. We have time, so after four-and-a-half hours we finally got our luggage.
“I was told it was two and a half hours to the hotel. Don't get too excited Vera, you haven't received your Covid test results yet. Lucky me, I was on the same plane as the Swiss MTB and road cycling team. At least we had a good time playing cards and waiting for our results.
“Another two-and-a-half hours passed and at 23:30, we were finally told that our bus had arrived. We received the results and we had all tested negative. I got excited again. This night might have an end. By the time we actually left the airport with the bus, it was around 01:00.
“But before I was dropped at the Fuji Lake Hotel (cycling hotel) we had to drop the Swiss and Spanish at the other cycling hotel.
“By the end of my little bus trip in Japan I was ‘stoksiel alleen’ in the bus and it started getting light outside. I must admit it was pretty.
“I got to the hotel at 04:45. I was in bed by 05:15. And got up again at 08:30, since breakfast is only until 09:00 and remember, my last meal was the breakfast in the plane. Now to build my bikes,” she said.
WINDHOEK
Frank Fredericks, the most celebrated Namibian athlete yet, used social media to send words of encouragement to Namibian athletes who will be competing at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“In a few days, the Olympic Games will start. All the best to all the athletes with their last preparations to achieve their dreams. The Games of 1992 forever changed my life. It was a wonderful feeling to be the flag bearer and also to be the first to win a medal for my beloved Namibia,” he said.
He added that he foresees four medals coming from the team.
Boxer hopes for medals
Former boxer Immanuel Prince Naidjala shared Fredericks’s sentiments and predicted that the team will return to the country with medals.
“This year I see gold and two more medals,” he said, adding that being a flag bearer at a such a prestigious event is forever special.
Namibia will be represented by ten athletes at the Games, after cyclist Dan Craven tested positive for Covid-19 only days before their departure.
The ten athletes who will represent Namibia at the Games are boxer Jonas Junias, rower Maike Diekmann and sprint sensations Christine Mboma and Beatrice Masilingi, who will be the flag bearers at the opening and closing ceremonies.
The other athletes are seasoned marathoner Helalia Johannes, Rainhold Tomas, cyclists Vera Looser, Michelle Vorster and Alex Miller, as well as open-water swimmer Philip Seidler.
Looser shares her journey
Looser used her social media account to share her experiences in Japan.
“So, let me quickly tell you about my first 17 hours on Japanese ground. It will be as quick as the welcoming procedures,” she posted.
She wrote that she left Switzerland at 23:40 on Sunday. “I was super excited, because it was my first time flying business class. What an incredible experience. I had a direct flight to Tokyo and I felt super fresh after the 11-hour flight. I arrived in Tokyo at 17:00 local time. Now that’s where the fun begins.
“After standing in line for two hours, we finally got to do the Covid test. But after that you still need to go through quarantine and immigration control. No problem. We have time, so after four-and-a-half hours we finally got our luggage.
“I was told it was two and a half hours to the hotel. Don't get too excited Vera, you haven't received your Covid test results yet. Lucky me, I was on the same plane as the Swiss MTB and road cycling team. At least we had a good time playing cards and waiting for our results.
“Another two-and-a-half hours passed and at 23:30, we were finally told that our bus had arrived. We received the results and we had all tested negative. I got excited again. This night might have an end. By the time we actually left the airport with the bus, it was around 01:00.
“But before I was dropped at the Fuji Lake Hotel (cycling hotel) we had to drop the Swiss and Spanish at the other cycling hotel.
“By the end of my little bus trip in Japan I was ‘stoksiel alleen’ in the bus and it started getting light outside. I must admit it was pretty.
“I got to the hotel at 04:45. I was in bed by 05:15. And got up again at 08:30, since breakfast is only until 09:00 and remember, my last meal was the breakfast in the plane. Now to build my bikes,” she said.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article