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Ellina Mhlanga in Paris, France
ZIMBABWE’S sprinters Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanahse Makarawu put up an impressive show in the men’s 200m round one heats at the Stade de France to sail through to the semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
First on the track was Charamba in heat three, and running in lane four, he clocked 20.27 seconds to finish second behind Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, who won the heat in 20.10 seconds. In third place was Filippo Tortu of Italy with a time of 20.29 seconds.
“The feeling is great. I mean I didn’t get a good lane but I am not a person who likes making excuses. I am just happy that I was able to survive and advance. And I just look forward to a great semi-final and probably make the final. I am just having fun. I don’t have large expectations but just to enjoy myself,” said Charamba.
Makarawu then took to the track in heat five and running in lane three, the Zimbabwe national record holder eased to second position in 20.07 seconds to join his countryman in the semi-finals.
Heat five was won by United States’ Erriyon Knighton in 19.99 seconds. South Africa’s Shaun Maswanganyi was third in 20.20 seconds. Going into the round one heats yesterday, Makarawu had made it clear he was hoping for a direct qualification into the semi-final and avoid the repechage round. And he did just that.
“It was a good race my target was to get the guy who was next to my lane. So, I did that and I knew I was in the race, so the rest of the race was just a walk down. I am impressed by myself and my coach for working on that turn.
“I am super excited about that because running for the repechage tomorrow was going to drain me. It was going to drain my energy to prepare for the semis. So, I am impressed by my performance today. So tomorrow (Tuesday) I will spend the day relaxing, recharging and be ready for the semis on Wednesday,” said Makarawu.
Making their Olympic debut at the Stade de France on Monday, the two sprinters proved their mettle having earned their slots at the Olympic Games when running qualifying times during the qualification period.
Online Reporter