Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN Vimbayi Maisvorewa walked onto the track at the Tom Jones Memorial in Florida earlier this year, she was not just chasing a time, she was chasing history.
And when she crossed the finish line in 50.25 seconds, the stopwatch told more than just a time. It told a story of resilience, of a young woman from Rusape who turned raw talent into world-class speed.
That single run not only earned her a place at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, but also rewrote Zimbabwe’s athletics history, smashing the national record and ending a 10-year drought of female representation on the track at the global showpiece.
The qualifying standard for the women’s 400m is 50.75 seconds. Maisvorewa did not just meet it; she beat it decisively.
“It’s surreal to think about how far I’ve come since competing at the World Under-18 Championships in Nairobi back in 2017,” she said.
“Finishing sixth in the 800m final then felt like the start of something.
“Now, I’m headed for the World Championships in the 400m; it’s a dream come true. But I’m not done. I’m still building into the athlete I know I can be.”
Her path has been steady, shaped by patience, dedication and a relentless desire to improve. From her early days in Rusape to training sessions at Dope High School and Hillcrest, the groundwork was laid before she ever boarded a flight to the United States.
“Absolutely, my achievements reflect the work I’ve put in over the years, right from home to where I am now in the USA. Every moment, every race, every setback has shaped me,” she said.
In 2022, Maisvorewa received a scholarship to Cloud County Community College, where her talent truly began to bloom.
She clinched the 2022 NJCAA Outdoor title in the 400m in 54.18 seconds and followed it up with the 2023 NJCAA Indoor title, clocking 53.50 seconds.
That success opened doors, leading her to Auburn University, where she has continued to shine.
It was also during this period that she made a strategic shift, from the 800m to the 400m. A bold move, but one that is paying dividends.
“I decided to switch to the 400m because I felt it suited my strengths better, and I love the event,” she said. “It needs a blend of speed and endurance, and coming from the 800m gave me a head start with endurance.
“The missing piece was speed, so I worked on it. I’m still working on it. But every season, I’ve seen real improvement.”
That hard work is reflected in her performance this year. She not only secured a World Champs slot but also had one of her strongest collegiate seasons to date.
“This season has been a learning experience,” she said. “I remember last season, I made it to the NCAA indoor and outdoor championships, but didn’t make it to the finals or the podium. But this season, I made it onto the podium with a sixth-place finish overall and a new school record, 51.51 seconds.”
With the World Championships on the horizon, her preparation is already in full swing, physically and mentally.
“My coach and I are working hard on refining technique and building endurance. But more importantly, I’m focusing on my mental strength too. At the Worlds, I’ll be competing against top professionals with more experience. I need to be ready in every way,” she said.
The World Championships will mark a significant milestone, not just for Maisvorewa, but for Zimbabwean athletics.
The last female track athlete to represent the country at this level was Olivia Chitate in the 5 000m, back in 2015 in Beijing.
Now, a new name is etched into the record books.
“Making the World Champs means everything,” she said. “It’s the result of all the hard work, passion and patience. But I’m not just going there to show up; I want to compete, to test myself against the best. I’m excited to see how far I can go.”
For a girl who started out on the tracks of Rusape and rose through sheer grit and belief, the finish line in Tokyo is not an end; it is another beginning.
Bongani Ndlovu