MASERU — The country’s marathon golden girl, ‘Mamoroallo Tjoka, escaped unscathed after she was involved in a car accident in Naleli on Friday, the Sunday Express has learnt. Tjoka missed a function at Lehakoe Recreation Centre to unveil Team Lesotho’s attire to be used at the London 2012 Olympic Games later this month. The 29-year-old is part of Lesotho’s five athletes who will represent the country at the Olympic Games.

The games are scheduled for July 27 to August 12. Her mobile phone went unanswered when this paper contacted her yesterday. But Team Lesotho’s chef de mission, Morake Raleaka, told the function that Tjoka was not around as she had been involved in a car accident. “You will realise that our very own ‘Mamoroallo Tjoka is not with the team tonight. “That is because she was involved in an accident on her way here but luckily enough, she did not suffer any injuries,” Raleaka said.

He said her car was however damaged. Raleaka said Tjoka is still expected to make part of team to London as she did not suffer any injuries. “You will also be happy to learn that she is still joining the team and will be competing in the 42.2 kilometres as was scheduled because she is still fit to compete,” he said.

Meanwhile, Team Lesotho will tomorrow leave the country for its two-week training camp in Wales as part of its preparations for these games. Team Lesotho is made up of 42.2 kilometres athletes ‘Mamoroallo Tjoka, Jobo Khatoane and Tsepo Ramonene, 200 metres sensation Mosito Lehata as well as 50-metre freestyle swimmer ‘Masempe Theko.

“The team will be leaving on Monday for its training camp in Wales and they will spend two weeks there before flying to London for the games,” Raleaka said.

He said each athlete has been given three sets of tracksuits, three shorts, three T-shirts, two pairs of training shoes, a cap and a bag by Lesotho’s official attire sponsor Adivon. He said this sponsorship is valid until after the next Olympic Games in 2016.