Manyika aims to fly the Botswana flag high in Germany

For sprinter Tshepang Manyika, the upcoming Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games is a chance for her to improve upon her last FISU Games performance, while continuing her country’s impressive global showing on the international athletics stage.

The 24-year-old, who specialises in the 100m and 200m events, was part of the Botswana squad at the previous FISU World University Games in Chengdu in 2023, but was unable to qualify for the semi-finals in her favoured 100m race – lessons learned, she says, ahead of this summer’s competition.

The importance of staying focused

“Competing at the FISU World University Games in China was an incredible experience,” she tells FISU.net. “It exposed me to a much higher level of international competition and taught me a lot about the importance of mental toughness, preparation and adaptability. It also helped me realise the need to stay focused, especially under pressure. I am taking those lessons with me to the upcoming Games in Germany, and I am determined to perform at an even higher level.”

Tshepang is looking forward to her second international student-athlete event, the Rhine-Ruhr FISU World University Games in July – , having enjoyed a rewarding experience both in and out of competition last time

Building friendships and networks

“These Games offer students a unique blend of high-level competition and valuable cultural exchange,” she says. “On the track, the level is extremely competitive, with athletes from all over the world performing at their best. Off the track, it’s an incredible opportunity to meet student-athletes from different countries, learn about different cultures, and build friendships and networks. It’s a very enriching experience, both personally and professionally.”

The 100m champion at last year’s regional Confederation of University and College Sports Associations (CUCSA) Games, who holds a degree in Health Promotion and Education and is currently studying towards a Certificate in Law at Ba Isago University, says she is pushed by both her family and other athletes in striving for success.

“My motivation comes from my family, who have always supported me, and from my personal desire to achieve excellence both academically and in sport,” says Tshepang Manyika. “I am also deeply motivated by the achievements of successful athletes from Botswana, who have shown that it is possible to reach the top with hard work and belief.”

One such athlete is now global athletics star Letsile Tebogo, who won Botswana’s first-ever gold medal when crossing the line first in the 200m final at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, after his double medal tally at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, cementing the south African country’s mark on the map.

“Letsile Tebogo’s achievements have been truly inspiring and incredibly important for Botswana,” Tshepang says. “He has proven that athletes from our country can excel on the biggest stages in the world. His success has raised the profile of athletics in Botswana, motivated young athletes like myself and given us the belief that we too can achieve greatness with hard work and dedication.”

Success in her dual-career

Looking toward the future, Tshepang has her sights set on both sporting and academic feats she hopes to conquer. “My long-term academic goal is to further my education by pursuing a Masters degree in Public Health,” she says, “but right now, my main focus is preparing for the FISU World University Games in Germany. I hope to continue competing at an international level, representing Botswana with pride, achieving new personal bests, and ultimately qualifying for major global events like the World Championships and the Olympic Games.”

Written by Fabio De Dominicis, pictures courtesy of Tshepang Manyika