Chronicle Editor
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO Athletics Board (Bab) chairperson Watson Madanyika says athletes are still to hit full gear post-Covid-19.
For this year’s edition of the Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile, only 12 athletes took part in the final as compared to previous editions where 20 athletes competed in the final.
This was due to a few athletes managing to meet the competitions pre-requisite time of four minutes 31 seconds.
“We are grateful to the sponsors for their support.
The athletes did their best, but I feel the effects of the lockdowns is being felt on most athletes as only a few could make the final.
“However, we encourage athletes to work and ensure that they get back to their best form,” said Madanyika.
Black Rhinos Athletics Club athlete Wellington Varevi won the Four-Minute Mile for the third time in his career on Saturday.
He had previously won the competition in 2014 and 2018.
The 28-year-old crossed the finishing line in a time of four minutes, 13.64 seconds, Nyasha Mutsetse was second in four minutes, 14.31 seconds and Nomore Wiriki was third in four minutes, 14.87 seconds.
Godwin Katakura came into the race with the best qualifying time of four minutes, 10.66 seconds, but could only settle for fourth place in four minutes, 15.28 seconds.
Varevi walked away with a shield, gold medal, miniature trophy and a cash prize of $112 000.
Mutsetse’s reward was $56 000, while Wiriki pocketed $49 000 and Katakura went home $42 000 richer.
Prizes were given to the top 10 athletes in the race.
Delta Beverages southern region sales executive Cosmas Munapenyi and Madanyika presented the athletes with their prizes.
– @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter