malvernmugadzikwa
Deputy Sports Editor
TITUS ZVOMUYA cuts the figure of a dashing proud dad every time the name Tapiwanashe Makarawu is mentioned.
Makarawu is one of the five athletes who will be representing Zimbabwe at this year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Zvomuya has known the sprinter personally and on a professional level as director of the Bindura University of Science Education’s National Sports Academy.
“Makarawu joined the National Sports Academy in 2016, when he was still a learner at Bradley High School, after being identified at that year’s NASH (National Association of School Heads) Athletics finals held at Peterhouse School,” said Zvomuya.
“He was immediately put on a full scholarship and support system, and in 2021, joined the Bindura University of Science Education on a full university scholarship, enrolling for the BSc Honours in Peace and Governance (programme).
“A year later, he earned himself another scholarship to pursue both his professional and academic careers in the United States, at New Mexico Junior College.”
The young promising sprinter, who specialises in the 200-metre dash, is currently preparing to embark on arguably the biggest assignment of his career.
Makarawu made headlines earlier this year, when he qualified for the global athletics showpiece, scheduled for August 19-27, after posting a personal best time of 10.05 seconds in the 200m race at the NJCAA Championships in New Mexico in May.
“Since I qualified for Budapest, many opportunities, most I cannot disclose at this juncture, opened up for me this side (US), and I thank God for that,” said Makarawu, who turns 23 tomorrow. I pray many other opportunities from my home country start opening up, too, but, for now, I am happy and proud to be representing my country.”
It has not been all sunshine and roses for the World Championships debutant, as balancing school and a promising athletics career has come with its own challenges.
He also got injured at the conclusion of the NJCAA Outdoor season, something that has hampered his preparations.
“I have been good and can’t really complain, as life comes with its own ups and downs.
“I got injured during the National Championships and walked with crutches for about three weeks, but I am starting to feel good and strong again.
“Preparing for the World Athletics Championships has been so challenging as the injury hindered my progress.”
After being advised by his physiotherapist, he suspended training during the latter part of May and early June.
He only resumed training around mid-June. Fortunately for him, he appears at ease.
“As of now, there are no nerves. They will probably come the day before I compete or something.
“I know it’s not going to be easy for me as I am still a school kid and will be competing with professional athletes who rely on athletics for a living.
“However, I intend to do my best and bring the fight to those so-called big names and athletes.”
He intends to learn as much as he can, do his best and enjoy the experience.
“Just making it to the finals will be a win in my books.
“This is my first senior World Championships and I don’t want to stress my body by aiming for things that I am not able to do.
“Making it to the finals is going to be hard but I will do my very best as usual and see how it goes.”
Regardless of the results, his mentor and former director back home, Zvomuya, is already a proud man.
“As the Bindura University of Science Education and the National Sports Academy, we are so proud to have our own product representing Zimbabwe at these prestigious championships. This development bears testimony to both the Government and our university’s vision to identify, nurture and develop athletes who will bring medals to the country at the highest level,” Zvomuya said.
Online Reporter