Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
ZIMBABWEAN athletes in powerlifting and strongman competitions are making a significant impact and raising the country’s flag high regionally.
Recently, the athletes bagged gold, silver, and bronze medals in different competitions in Zambia and South Africa.
Chido Maenzanise, Robert Chilause, John Zundiza, Wayne Rushwaya, and Lewis Nyathikazi participated in South Africa, while Regina Jonga competed in Zambia.
Maenzanise emerged with a gold medal in the Open category in East Rand’s Strongest, while Zundiza won a gold medal.
Rushwaya and Nyathikazi won silver medals, respectively.
Chilause won a bronze medal, and Jonga alongside a Zambian rival at the Zambia Copperbelt Strongest.
The development is a major boost ahead of the Africa Strongman Championships and the Dubai World Strongman in October.
Zimbabwe Strongman Federation chairman, Knowledge “Knox” Musengi, expressed pride in the athletes’ achievements.
“Zimbabwe is on the rise, and our strongmen and women are leading the charge,” Musengi said.
“I am beaming with pride, and our Zimbabwean strongmen and women have made the nation proud, conquering the competition in South Africa and Zambia.”
Musengi added that the athletes’ victories are a testament to their hard work and the country’s potential.
“As a chairman, I am honoured to lead a nation that breeds champions,” he said.
The triumph is also an inspiration to the new generation.
“This triumph will inspire a new generation of Zimbabweans to pursue excellence in sports and beyond,” Musengi said.
Following her triumph, Maenzanise called for more sponsorship.
“We have so much talent in this country,” she said.
“Powerlifting competitions used to be side-lined, but we are taking up the game somewhere.”
Maenzanise thanked those who have been supporting her and emphasised the need for more support.
“The cost that comes with attending all these competitions is huge, but if we get support, we can go far,” she said.
