Malawi’s quest for an Olympic Medal started on a sour note after Judo athlete Harriet Boniface suffered first round loss to Brazilian opponent on Saturday.The 28-year-old athlete was hoping to successfully open the floor for Team Malawi but stumbled in 48kg category as the heat for 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games gets high. Team Malawi Leader of Delegation Flora Mwandira confirmed Boniface’s exist from the competition.
“Boniface did not perform well. She lost in the first few seconds. Before gaining the energy, she was out. We are now just hoping for the future; she is at the moment watching those who are still in the competition. She is observing to learn more.”
Said the Malawi Olympic Committee Vice President.
Judo Association of Malawi (Judo) General Secretary Osbourne Banda, who did not travel with the team, confirmed that Boniface had been knocked out.
“The Judo competition for their category completed the same day. It was her first time at the competition. It is good a learning platform. Realistically we did not expect her to win a medal as it is always tough at the Olympic Games. But now she has the experience.”
Said Banda
Meanwhile, Team Malawi’s attention has shifted to Archer David Areneo, who will compete tomorrow 27th July after the event was rescheduled from Friday.
Athlete Asimenye Simwaka, swimmers Fillipe Gomez and Jessica Makwenda are expected to compete on Friday 30th July 2021. MOC General Secretary John Kaputa said they watched David’s Training Session Yesterday and were impressed. “We have been working with the preparing them mentally. We hope David will perform better, having trained thoroughly,” he said
