admin
Sports Reporter
AFTER reaching the men’s 100m T47 final on his debut at the ongoing Paris 2024 Paralympic Games last week, Zimbabwe’s Kudakwashe Chigwedere is hopeful for the future.
Chigwedere together with Tinotenda Bango are Zimbabwe’s two representatives at the Games running until this Sunday.
The two athletes have completed their events and Chigwedere was outstanding as he reached the final in the men’s 100m T47.
Bango competed in the same event, in the women’s category.
Chigwedere finished eighth in the final and he said while he could not meet some of the targets he set for himself going into the Games, he is happy with his performance.
“Regarding my experience here at the Games and performance, I will have to say that coming to Paris I had set high goals for myself.
“I was hoping to get a gold medal at best and at least get a bronze.
Things did not go as planned but I am still happy with my performance because these are my first Paralympic Games.
I am still 21, I am still very young, and lots of room to improve my performance,” said Chigwedere.
He posted a personal best during the heats when he clocked 10.78 seconds to directly qualify for the final.
“In my heat, I did achieve a new personal best . . . So I am more than happy in that regard because those are very good takeaways coming from Paris.
“And I think I will do well come the next Games in LA 2028.
“I will prepare well, prepare adequately, and make sure that I can bring a medal for Zimbabwe, a gold medal because that’s the goal, that’s the dream,” said Chigwedere.
They are expected back home next week after the closing ceremony scheduled for Sunday.
Team Zimbabwe chef de mission for the Games, Masimba Mutemaringa said the athletes have been utilising the Games platform to also interact and learn from their counterparts, from different countries.
“The Team will depart on 9 September after the closing ceremony.
“In the spirit of Paralympic Sport, it was purposed that the team remains for the closing ceremony and have more interactive experiences and exposure with fellow Paralympians.
“Currently, the coach and athletes have utilised the opportunity to make use of the vast equipment and technical expertise at the Game’s Village for post-competition routines,” said Mutemaringa.
Online Reporter