Dzingai, Juwawo out of World Champs

Korea, after some athletes who had been earmarked failed to make the grade.
Joseph Mungwari, the NAAZ president, had earlier hinted that his association had commissioned six athletes to take part but two of them failed to qualify.
Brian Dzingai and Wirimai Juwawo have been excluded from the World Championship set to run from August 27 to September 4.
“It became unfortunate that two of our prominent athletes did not make it due to the following unforeseen circumstances.
“Brian Dzingai ran his last qualifier and unfortunately it was very windy and he posted the time of 20.75s and yet the qualifying is 20.70s.
“The association and Brian were very much disappointed by this unfortunate development.
“Brian is very experienced, hence we needed him badly at the World Championships,” said Phiri.
Phiri said the event Juwawo had used to qualify for the World Championship has been de-listed by the IAAF.
“Wirimai Juwawo has the fastest time in the marathon 2.12.38, but it also became unfortunate that the Danzhou race in China was declared a non-qualifying competition by the IAAF on technical reasons.
“Even when we appealed for their consideration they, flatly refused to allow us to enter Wirimai,” said Phiri.
However, Zimbabwe’s hopes of doing well remain high as inform long jumper and sprinter Ngoni Makusha is set to take part.
Another sprinter Gabriel Mvumvure is also going for the World Championship alongside crack middle distance runner Cutbert Nyasango and Thandiwe Nyathi.
Makusha has high hopes of reaching the finals in the long jump and 100m sprint while Mvumvure is also confident of doing well in the 100m and 200m.
Phiri said Letiwe Marakurwa, who had been selected for the All-Africa Games, was now doubtful after she picked up an injury during training.