Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TOP female long distance runner Fortunate Chidzivo has secured her spot at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, scheduled for September 13-21, becoming the sixth Zimbabwean to make the cut for the global showpiece.
Chidzivo received a World Athletics universality slot, which enabled her to return to the Championships having been part of the marathon runners, who lined up for the 2023 contest in Budapest, Hungary.
With a personal best of 2 hours 33 minutes 30 seconds posted at Durban International Marathon on May 4, Chidzivo had to wait for World Athletics to make their determination on whether the time would qualify her on a universality slot.
She will now represent the country in the women’s marathon.
“This qualification means a lot, it means we have achieved something especially in my athletics career.
“It’s something exciting and you feel proud of yourself,” said Chidzivo.
For the Budapest edition of the Championships, Chidzivo qualified through rankings.
As she braces for Tokyo, Chidzivo is aware it will not be easy lining up against athletes who ran within the qualifying time to earn direct spots during the World Athletics qualification period which closed early May.
The qualifying time for the women’s marathon was 2 hours 23 minutes 30 seconds.
“Running good times, it’s an opportunity whereby the body responds well on race day.
“Otherwise, everyone trains to win, there is no one who trains to come second, third or last on the race day.
“I will go there with my head held high, with no fear, knowing that I am there to represent the nation, I am there to execute national duty and everyone who is going to be there, is also going with the same goal.
“I am not even worried that there are people who ran good times or who ran qualifying times.
“It’s all about how the body responds to your training on a race day. I might do well as well on that day.
“You always have to go there telling yourself, I have done my training and I have come to run what I have trained,” added Chidzivo.
As she begins training towards her participation in Tokyo, her goal is to get to the finish line.
“These days when I am lining up, I am always trying to avoid pressure on myself. So, I am always telling myself that I am going to the starting line and the first goal is to get to the finish line.
“Whatever happens in between is a bonus. It’s the grace of God. Let’s say we run a PB, we run a national record, maybe we finish top in the 10, that’s the grace of God.”
It has been a slow season for Chidzivo, who used to regularly compete in South Africa, running under Langa Athletics Club.
However, she is no longer part of the club.
“So far, this season there is nothing much. I no longer belong to a club in South Africa, so it’s a bit difficult for me to travel between South Africa and Zimbabwe. I just went for one race there to date,” Chidzivo said.
She will, however, be part of the field tomorrow at the Tanganda half marathon in Mutare.
“I am going to race the Tanganda half marathon and then I will be lining up for the Vic Falls full marathon.
“That’s all for now as we start the preparations heading to Japan 2025.
Chidzivo became the sixth athlete to qualify for the World Championships.
She joins fellow long-distance runners, Isaac Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto, sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu, Makanakaishe Charamba and Vimbayi Maisvorewa.
