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Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
HER WhatsApp profile which reads: “Hold the vision and trust the process” aptly reflects the journey that the United States of America-based Zimbabwean athlete, Vimbayi Maisvoreva has so far travelled from Gandanzara Village on the shores of Osborne Dam in Makoni District to represent the nation at various regional and international competitions.
Vimbayi had a vision to be an international athlete, but she knew it would not be an overnight success, but a process that had to be followed to polish her to become a gem she is now.
Growing up in the village, competing in school events barefooted at Chinyamahumba Primary and Dope High schools did not distract her ambition and goals.
Last month, Vimbayi broke the national record when she clocked 54:65 in 400m. As if that was not enough, last Saturday, she broke her own record when she finished at 53:86.
At 21, Vimbayi’s tenacity and perseverance has seen her winning an impressive six medals for her country and has competed in several countries.
Blessed with blistering and electric pace, Vimbayi’s career took life changing direction when one afternoon in 2014 she was spotted by National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) youth coach, Braid Nhubu while representing Dope High School at the National Association of School Heads (NASH) district finals.
From there, her career has been on the rise.
Hillcrest College offered her a scholarship to further her education while partaking in athletics.
Things did not end there for the disciplined and hardworking girl as she was awarded an educational scholarship in the United States of America where she is now studying sports management.
It takes a village to raise a child and Vimbayi knows that, and she dully gives credit to those who polished the gem she now is.
“I was born and raised in Gandanzara Village. I attended Chinyamahumba Primary School where I started my athletics career and then moved to Dope High School for my O-Levels. I got a scholarship to study at Hillcrest College from 2018 to 2020.
“I live for the track. Running is my passion and I discovered that I have a special talent at a very tender age. I am here because of the passion I have for running. The support I got from my parents, my high school teachers at Dope High School and the community at large really motivated me to keep going. Coach, Braid Nhubu helped me in many ways. He is the one who discovered and introduced me to professional athletes. Not forgetting Teddy Dewolf from Hillcrest College who is still playing a huge role in my life.
“Choosing and pursuing athletic has changed everything in my life. I will not be who I am or where I am today if it was not for athletics.
“I got a full athletics scholarship in the USA where I am currently studying sports management and doing athletics at Cloud County Community College in Kansas State.
“I have so far won six medals at international level representing Zimbabwe. I have been to several countries including Zambia, Lesotho, South Africa, Angola, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Kenya and Botswana,” said Vimbayi from his base in Kansas State.
NAAZ youth director, Nhubu said Vimbayi’s story is a true testimony that there are many talented sportspersons in marginalised areas whose talents must be tapped and exposed.
“I spotted Vimbai when she was competing in the NASH competitions. As the person responsible for athletics, I developed a particular interest in working with her when I realised the potential in her. I trained her when she was at Dope High School and during school holidays she would stay with me in Rusape for training purposes.
“We are excited by Vimbayi’s performance because she has proved that we are capable of producing world class athletes from any part of the country. She has broken the wrong perception that the current system is not capable of producing record breaking athletes. She is our direct product and we feel perplexed to have produced such an asset.
“ I was with her at several meets and she has proved to be a great fighter through her spirited efforts.
“She has remained resolute and focused. Her mental toughness has seen her being able to maneuver through thick and thin. I am quite impressed by her rise. I feel our Long Term Athlete Development Performance Strategy is beginning to bear fruits,” said Nhubu.
Online Reporter