ZIMBABWE sprint stars Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba might have been disappointed that they did not run their best in the 200m finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics, but the future is bright after the two qualified for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next year.
Makarawu finished sixth in a race that was won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo ahead of American duo Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles in second and third place, respectively.
Charamba finished eighth, but having run 20.07 in the heats, he had already qualified for the World Athletics Championships by the time he lined up for the final on Thursday night.
Makarawu and Charamba both charmed Zimbabweans all over the world as they stormed into the finals before cheering them on in the epic finale.
They will be back on the grand stage around this time next year to race against the world’s best.
Makarawu described his heroics as a good experience, fun and the most relaxed race he has ever competed in.
“I wish I could get another lane between those leading guys, but it is what it is. I did my best, coming sixth in the world. It means a lot to me. It means that we are going somewhere. It means as Zimbabwe, we are going somewhere. It means me and my coach are going somewhere,” he said.
“I was just three places from the podium finish. I know what I need to work on. We will see how it goes from today until around next year in Tokyo, for our championships. I thank God for that because running for eight months without rest is not a joke.”
- Tagara re-elected into Confederation of African Athletics Council committee
- Makarawu gears for 200m World Champs
- Zim sprinter hopes dashed
- Sprint stars in the spotlight
Keep Reading
Makarawu said getting an early qualification for Tokyo makes life a bit relaxed for him.
“For a young guy like me, with a small body, my body cannot handle running every week. In and out, running fast every week. I really thank God for that because I never thought I was going to run fast this August, but because of God, I am here,” he added.
“I am really happy that I qualified this early because starting from now on, I am no longer focusing on qualifying. I am just focusing on training and improving my times going forward.”
His goal is to utilise his window period to perfect his shortcomings.
“These Olympics show me my strengths and my weaknesses,” Makarawu said.
“I think I am going to be working more on my weaknesses than emphasising more on my strengths so that I have a balanced strength when I am running with these other talented guys who I am running with today.”
Zimbabweans have been queueing up to congratulate both Makarawu and Charamba, who both still have many years ahead of them in in the sport.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday congratulated Makarawu and Charamba for putting up a stellar performance on their debut global event.
“My heartfelt congratulations to our remarkable sprinters, Tadiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba, for placing sixth and eighth in the finals of the 200m race at the Paris Olympics,” Mnangagwa said.
“Their achievements are a testament to the resilience, determination and unwavering spirit that define Zimbabwe.
“They have made our nation proud. Let us celebrate their dedication and continue to support our athletes as they represent us on the global stage.”
