Clifford Charuka dreams big

Charuka, one of Zimbabwe’s upcoming sprinters, dreams of making a big impact on the track.
The 16-year-old will be representing the nation at the World Youth Athletics Championships in France next month.
Charuka, who specialises in the 100m and 200m events, is set to make his debut appearance in the world championships scheduled to run from 6-12 July in Lille, France.
He qualified for the finals of the 200m event after finishing fourth in 22.2 seconds at the Southern Region Youth Track and Field Championships held in Namibia last month.
Charuka said he started running at a tender age of eight although his first participation in competitive events was not until he was 12 years old. “I started running when I was eight years old while doing my early primary education at Haig Park Primary School.
“Then at the age of 12 years that’s when I started blooming.
“I went to compete in the Zonals competition in the 100m and 200m events and came first.
“I also led the relay side in the school team.
“But after that event I did not go for the provincial competition because I did not meet the required time.
“It broke my heart,” said Charuka.
The 16-year-old moved to St John’s High School in 2008 for his secondary education where he continued to pursue athletics but had limited opportunities to make a breakthrough because of lack of competition.
He was also in the rugby team for the school.
In 2009 he took part in the national athletics competition held in Bulawayo and won a silver medal in both the 100m and 200m events in the Under-16 boys age group.
The following year he took part in the national competition staged in Kwekwe and walked away with two gold medals in the 100m and 200m events.
The tall athlete moved from St John’s High School to Prince Edward School this year and he took part in the Inter-Schools Boys Meet at the National Sports Stadium in March.
He ran 10.95seconds in the 100m event to break the record that had been standing for over 10 years for the event and earned the school’s full colours for his achievement.
“I broke the record for the inter-schools competition and it earned me the school’s full colours.
“It made me feel good and I think it was due to the training I am now getting. I have been improving.
“The competition in Namibia was my first regional event and my best achievement so far is qualifying for the World Youth Championships.
“I feel great and excited since it is going to be my first time going to perform in Europe,” said Charuka.
Charuka said he is going to do his best when he represents the nation at the championships.
“Right now I am working hard in my training and I guess I am going to do well. I am just asking the Lord to guide me.
“Success is all about training hard, you just have to add another 50 percent to make it 150 percent and that’s what makes you outstanding from other athletes.
“Discipline also comes first and I need to stay focused,” said Charuka. The Form Three pupil said it has not been easy because he has to balance between schoolwork and sport.
“It is really hard to try and balance the two. I try to sleep at home to rest my body and then wake up later to study.
“My mom and my aunt have been very supportive.
“My whole family has been there for me.
“My inspiration comes from Usain Bolt and Brian Dzingai.
“I see myself based in the United States or Jamaica pursuing my academic studies and a career in athletics in the next five years,” said Charuka. Charuka was born on February 3 in 1995 and was spotted by Harare Athletics Club secretary-general Sailus Muringani at a provincial meet in Kwekwe.
Muringani assisted him with his move to Prince Edward School.
“I spoke to his parents who said they wanted him to pursue a career in athletics. “I then spoke to Prince Edward School headmaster and he agreed to have him move to the school,” said Muringani.