Sherrine Barrows (right) at the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26
Among those who left the biggest impression on her was experienced national race starter Philander Villander, whose willingness to teach helped Barrows develop both knowledge and confidence.
After continuing to volunteer at athletics competitions, Barrows’ enthusiasm soon led her towards officiating. Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) Competition Director Thomas Ndadziila encouraged her to pursue formal training as a technical official, for which she earned a national level certificate through the World Athletics Referee Education and Certification System (WARECS). The BAA encourages the participation of females in different roles, including coaching, officiating and administration.
“After passing the practical assessment and receiving my certificate, I felt that I was on the right path,” she said.
Barrows believes mentorship has been central to her growth in the sport.
“I would confidently say that Mr Starter,” she said with a laugh, referring to Villander, “has played a mentorship role in my life from day one, and he still does. Even when I make a mistake or misunderstand something, he does not shout at me or embarrass me. Instead, he stays calm and helps me understand what to do.”
The support from her mentors gave Barrows the confidence to keep asking questions and deepening her understanding of the rules and procedures of officiating.
“I remember the first time I was appointed assistant starter. It was a big moment for me, and I was given real responsibility. Experiences like that can be intimidating, but his (Villander’s) support made them manageable.”
One of the biggest tests of Barrows’ career came at this year’s Botswana Golden Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event, where she worked as assistant starter in front of international delegates, athletes and a large crowd. Barrows felt the weight of the moment strongly.
“What helped me most was the way the senior officials spoke to me,” she said. “They reminded me to breathe, stay calm, and trust my experience. Hearing someone say: ‘You have done this before. You understand it, just be yourself,’ made the situation much easier to manage. That kind of reassurance helped me stay focused and do my job with confidence.”
Looking ahead, Barrows is clear about her ambitions in athletics officiating.
“My goal is to develop from assistant starter into a starter and learn how to manage race starts with confidence and skill,” she said.
For Barrows, the journey from volunteer to technical official has reinforced her belief that by remaining teachable, staying ready and having the support of those willing to guide the next generation, anything is possible.
“In the long term, I see myself becoming an international starter, and I want to keep upgrading my qualifications, growing as a technical official, and progressing with patience and discipline,” she added. “I know the journey will be challenging, but I am ready for that.”
As Barrows’ story shows, mentorship is one of the most powerful tools to accelerate change. The guidance and support from her mentors has given her the confidence to grow and progress in the sport.
World Athletics is calling on Member Federations, Area Associations, coaches, technical officials, administrators, athletes and partners worldwide to commit their time, resources and support to mentor young girls and women in athletics as a commitment help close the gender gap.
Learn more on the Women in Athletics website.
Maphuti Hlako for World Athletics