Botswana is mourning the reported passing of Gaone Leaname “Lux” Maotoanong, a distinguished athlete who represented his country at major international competitions and played an important role in the nation’s athletics achievements.
Maotoanong earned recognition for his performances on the track, particularly as a member of Botswana’s 4×400-metre relay teams. His dedication, talent and commitment to representing his country earned him respect among fellow athletes, sports officials and athletics supporters.
One of the highlights of his career came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, where he was part of Botswana’s gold-medal-winning 4x400m relay team. He also represented Botswana at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where the country’s relay team finished fifth in the final.
His international achievements included competing at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha and the 2015 World Championships in Beijing. He also participated in the 2015 and 2017 IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas, helping Botswana maintain its presence among international relay competitors.
Maotoanong further contributed to Botswana’s success at continental competitions. His accomplishments included gold medals in the 4x400m relay at the African Championships in Marrakech in 2014 and Durban in 2016. He also won silver in the 400 metres at the 2015 World University Games in Gwangju and silver in the relay at the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville.
Beyond competition, Maotoanong remained committed to athlete representation and sports development. From 2022 to 2025, he served as a member of the Botswana National Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, contributing to efforts focused on athletes’ interests and welfare.
His reported passing marks a significant loss for Botswana’s athletics community, where his sporting achievements and contributions to athlete representation remain part of his legacy. While details surrounding his death were not included in the announcement provided, tributes are expected to reflect his service to the nation and its sporting community. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of Botswana athletes.