Another silver for Zim

Ellina Mhlanga in DOULA, Cameroon

SPRINTER Tapiwanashe Makarawu once again proved his mettle last night by claiming a silver medal, and Zimbabwe’s second, in the 200m final at Japoma Stadium.

The United States-based athlete put up an impressive run, in lane three to ensure he bagged a second medal for Team Zimbabwe in 20.51seconds.

Makarawu finished second behind Joseph Fambulleh of Liberia, who clocked 20.25seconds.

The performance by Makarawu saw Zimbabwe concluding their participation at the continental meet yesterday with two medals to show for their presence in the West African country.

The other medal had come from the field events via triple jumper Chengetayi Mapaya on Tuesday night.

Zimbabwe coach Lisimati Phakamile was full of praise for the sprinter’s dedication in representing the country.

“I first want to congratulate Tapiwanashe for the dedication and hard work that he has put in towards this competition and event and in his preparation for the Olympics,’’ Phakamile said.

“He has done well. He has represented us so well and we are so happy for the medal that he has got.

“We take it anytime. The silver medal is a good step. He was competing against a finalist of the World Championships.

“So, whatever came our way we had to grab it with both hands,” said Lisimati.

Alobwede Eseme Emmanuel of Cameroon was third in 20.66seconds.

Makarawu is set to represent Zimbabwe at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after securing his ticket in 200m in April with an impressive time of 19.93seconds.

That time was also a new national record in the process.

Also featuring in a final on the last day of competition, was Ashley Kamangirira in the 400m hurdles women.

She finished fourth in 57.43seconds.

“I’m happy with what I did today.

“I got out better at the beginning of my race. I pushed hard, I was in lane eight, I couldn’t see anybody.

“I was really just trying to make sure that I stayed in the race as much as I could.

“And coming home I just wanted to finish strong.

“I tried as hard as I could. I promise I did. Definitely fought all the way to the end and did what I could,” said Kamangirira.

She had hoped for qualification for Paris.

Despite missing the qualifying time yesterday, she is positive of the future.

“It’s God’s plan over my plan, every day and so I took what I had and I did what I could.

“I have made so much progress, this is only my second year doing the 400m hurdles,’’ she said.

“I’m so proud of myself . . . I am still a newbie for this.

“I think if we are looking at the long game, yes Paris is this summer, I would have loved to go who knows, I mean I think that LA (Los Angeles 2028) is coming up, that’s the next Olympic opportunity. I am still young.

“There is next year for World Championships. So, I still see this as a start of a really lovely career in track and field.

“And I am excited of more opportunities to represent Zimbabwe at this stage,” said Kamangirira.