Bronze medal for Ananias Shikongo and Even Tjiuiju in Birmingham

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham showcased remarkable performances from Team Namibia’s athletes. Ananias Shikongo and his guide Even Tjiuiju prepared for their T11 100m event, with their first heat scheduled for 3 August. Prior to that, fellow para-athlete Bradley Murere competed in the T46 100m event on 2 August, securing a 5th position with a time of 11.62 seconds.

Team Namibia’s achievements included a bronze medal won by Helalia Johannes in the Women’s Marathon, marking the team’s first medal of the games. Other notable performances were Tomas Rainhold finishing 13th in the Men’s Marathon Final, Jonas Junior and Tryagain Morning Ndevelo reaching the Boxing Quarter-Final in the Light Welterweight category, and Alexander Skinner and Ronan Wantenaar both making it to the Semi-Finals in their respective swimming events.

On 4 August, Ananias Shikongo, guided by Even Tjiuiju, competed in the Men’s T11/12 100m Final, standing out as the only T11 (totally blind) athlete against three T12 (visually impaired) athletes. Their exceptional performance earned them a bronze medal with a finish time of 10.96 seconds. This achievement was celebrated as a significant contribution to Team Namibia’s success at the games, with thanks extended to coach Letu Hamhola, NPC Namibia, the Namibia National Olympic Committee, the Sport on the Move Foundation, family, friends, and supporters.