Sherrine Barrows (third from left) and her fellow LOC technical officials with World Athletics President Sebastian Coe (© World Athletics 
Christel Saneh)
From volunteering at local sporting events in Botswana to stepping on to the athletics track as a rising technical official, Sherrine Barrows’ journey is one of unwavering determination. Born in Mahalapye and raised in Gaborone, the 28-year-old has steadily built her career through discipline, curiosity and the support of mentors who recognised her potential early on.
At the Debswana World Athletics Relays Gaborone 26, Barrows was selected as one of the national technical officials, serving as assistant to the starter.
“Being selected was one of the biggest moments of my life,” she said. “I was overwhelmed with happiness when I received the letter confirming that I would be part of the World Relays.”
Barrows, a qualified occupational health and safety officer, works full-time at a construction company in Ghanzi, about 650 kilometres from Gaborone. She took time off to officiate at the World Relays and was touched by the support she received from her colleagues.
“My boss was genuinely happy for me when I explained to him what this meant for me,” she said. “My colleagues were excited too, and some travelled a long distance to watch the relays in person. That support made the experience unforgettable.”
Barrows’ journey into athletics began through volunteering with the Sport Volunteer Movement, a programme in Botswana that encourages individuals and the community to participate in sport through volunteering. Although she had always loved sport, it was athletics that eventually captured her interest.
“Whenever there was a sports event in Gaborone – cycling, marathons, athletics or another sport – I would sign up to volunteer,” she added. “One of those events was the Botswana National Athletics Championships in Gaborone, and that is where my interest really began.”
Her first volunteer role in athletics was working with the start team as a runner, before walkie-talkies were introduced. She carried start lists between officials and quickly found herself learning from the experienced team around her.
“What made a big difference was how kind and helpful the team was,” she said. “They guided me, answered my questions sincerely, and that support is a big part of why I grew to love the work.”
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