20 gold medals for 12-year-old lad

EVERYDAY a star is born and this time around ita��s 20-time gold medalist Anesu Tenene (12).

Now in Grade 7 at Kumalo Primary School, Tenene was the single dominant young athlete at the recently ended National Association of Primary Heads (Naph) National Track and Field Championships in Harare.

Bulawayo came back with eight gold medals and of those, five belong to the young superstar. His gold medals were attained for thee 80m hurdles, 100m, 200m, 4A�100m relay and 4A�200m relay in the Under-13 boysa�� races.

He arrived in Harare oozing with confidence after also dominating the provincial finals at White City Stadium a�� Harare was just his coronation.

Tenene said it all started in 2015 when he was doing Grade Five. Following a small debate with his friends about who was the fastest among the group, they decided to settle the matter on the track.

a�?I never took athletics seriously but since that day I realised that I have the talent. My teachers saw the potential I have and started calling me for training. From that day I have been running in school competitions. I just want to thank my parents for the support they gave me and the encouragement I got from my teachers,a�? said Tenene.

With his inspiration coming from Jamaicaa��s Usain Bolt, Tenene said he sees himself representing the country in regional and international events like the Olympics. However, he says education comes first.

a�?I want to pursue athletics and engineering. I believe I will excel in both because ita��s all about passion and time management,a�? Tenene said.

Kumalo Primary School Sports Master Matilda Chitere said Tenene was discovered during the schoola��s inter-house competitions.

She added that Tenene was a toast in basketball, cricket and tennis. To prove his inimitable quality in other sports disciplines the lad is part of the provincial team that is fighting for honours at the national primary ball games under National Primary School Heads (Naph).

In August he will be representing Bulawayo in the National Science Sports and Arts Festival in Harare. Tenene is also gifted academically.

a�?He is also doing well at school. He is good both in arts and science subjects,a�? said Chitere.