adminDarlington Gatsi
US-based triple jump sensation, Chengetayi Mapaya, says he is raring to go ahead of the World Athletics championships set to start today in Eugene, Oregon.
Mapaya will make his second appearance at the World Athletics championships, on the back of domestic performances, in the United States of America.
Three years ago, Mapaya finished 24th, among 33 athletes, in his debut appearance at the global showpiece.
He says he has put in a lot in his preparations for the world championships and is hoping for a good show at this year’s edition.
“I feel good. I am ready to go back to Oregon. I just competed at indoor championships which I won.
“I am in a very good spot.
“I am going there to win and do something amazing.
“So, it is going to be really nice to compete.
“Preparations have been going well. We have been training hard just working on mental strength and physical strength.
“Definitely, three years ago, I was not in good shape. I was young, I was looking at my idols, I was competing with my idols and I got distracted a lot.
“I did not focus on me and this time around, my idols are now my competitors and, basically, my enemies and I’m going there to beat them.
“I am mentally prepared more than I was three years ago. I am ready for this better than I was,” said Mapaya.
He has targeted a podium finish at this year’s World Athletics championships.
“The target is definitely to make the finals and a podium finish for Zimbabwe, just to bring hope to the young and the youths of Zimbabwe.
“I just want to go out there and have fun doing what I love and bring a podium finish,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter