Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH the ticket to next year’s World Athletics Championships already in the bag, Makanakaishe Charamba is targeting a podium finish at the global meet.
The 200m sprint star had an impressive season that saw him go all the way to the Wanda Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, early this month.
The annual series saw athletes compete across 14 global meets that culminated in a two-day final early this month.
Charamba competed in a number of those meetings, earning points that secured him a spot in the final.
He posted several podium finishes during the series, including in the final where he delivered a strong performance to walk away with bronze in 19.99 seconds. It also earned him qualification to the World Championships scheduled for 10 to 19 September 2027 in Beijing, Chi-na, as he surpassed the qualification mark of 20.07 seconds.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub, Charamba said: “For me, it’s like a building block for confidence going into the World Championships and the Olympics the year after.
“I feel like, with the way I have been performing this year, and I have been gaining confidence, I feel like I have a bright future ahead of me.
“I would say, I and my team are on the right track, and I say there is more in the tank, and there is more to come.”
It will be his second consecutive appearance at the World Championships.
On his maiden appearance last year in Tokyo, Japan, he reached the semi-finals and, having qualified early for the next edition, his target is a podium finish.
He is also one of the hopefuls for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
“I mean, now the pressure is off, right? I already qualified for the World Championships.
“So, from now on until we get to next year in September, it’s now going to be a preparation and building block for World Championships and potentially LA.
“So, I would say my plan for next year is either a medal or nothing,” said Charamba.
“I am putting it out there that it’s either I am going to get a medal or nothing.
“So, that’s my plan because I already made a podium. I have made a couple of podiums at the Diamond League circuit, so why not bite the bullet and just go all in for the World Championships and the Olympics?” he said.
The United States-based athlete, who is back home for a break before he begins his pre-season preparations, took some time to reflect on his transition from college to the professional circuit. “This year was almost like a development year because I just transitioned from my college year to my rookie year.
“So, it’s mostly like trying to find rhythm and find the space in it, because my coach, coach Ken Harnden, was like, this year we might have to adjust to the pro circuit, because I was just running in college for the past two years.
“So, now I am adjusting, and I am still trying to figure out the race that he wants me to run, and I will say we are getting there. But I feel like there is more in the tank, and it’s been a great year so far,” said Charamba.
The 24-year-old capped his season with an appearance at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship more than a week ago.
The meet brought together the world’s top-ranked athletes, including Olympic champions from 2024, last year’s world champions in Tokyo, and this year’s Diamond League winners — who earned automatic berths — as well as those who qualified via their world ranking and a small number of exceptional invitations.
