Coaches from across the country are calling for more competitive opportunities after the Karibib Athletics Championships, saying regular competition is needed to assess athletes' development and prepare competitors for regional and international events.
The championships brought together athletes from different regions, with coaches using the competition to assess performance, identify technical weaknesses and determine areas requiring additional training.
Tsire Athletics Club coach Hafeni Ananias Elias said his athletes produced good results despite challenging weather conditions and limited recovery time between events.
Elias highlighted the performance of one of his Under-15 athletes, who recorded a personal best of 7.8 seconds in the 60 metres and equalled his personal best in the 400 metres.
He said the competition schedule tested the athlete's endurance but also demonstrated the value of their training.
“Every competition is very important because we are not only preparing for national or regional competitions. We are focusing on national and international competitions.”
Elias has also been selected as an athletics coach for Namibia's team at the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Meanwhile, Kandjimi Murangi Secondary School and Utokero Athletics Club coach Simon Nkumbwa said his athletes produced positive results despite waiting several hours for the competition to start.
Jairus Hilde won the senior men's 1,500 metres, while Haupendi Reino also claimed first place in the senior men's 1,500 metres. However, Nkumbwa believes the long waiting period affected the athletes' performances.
Nkumbwa said competitions such as the Karibib Championships are important because they allow coaches to measure progress and identify technical areas that require attention.
“They were tired waiting for the competition. Not only physically, but even mentally. If we could start as soon as 10 o'clock, I am very sure even the time could show some improvements.”
He said his athletes now need more speed training. At the same time, additional exposure to competitions in countries such as Botswana and South Africa could help them improve their times and pursue international qualifying standards.
Okahandja Athletics Club coach Nesley Lebo Gawaseb also welcomed the championships, saying the event provided young athletes with an opportunity to compete against athletes from different regions.
Gawaseb said the club's next focus is preparing athletes for next year's zonal and regional competitions, as well as the national championships.
“We have a lot of potential here. This is one of the events that brings great athletes together from different regions to showcase the talent that they have.”
The coaches said regular competition, training and support are needed to help athletes improve their performances and compete at regional and international levels.
With regional and international competitions ahead, the coaches say the focus now shifts to improving technique, reducing times and giving athletes more opportunities to compete at a higher level.