adminAugustine Hwata Sports Reporter
TOP Zimbabwe sprinter Gabriel Mvumvure believes he is charting the right course on his preparations for the Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro in 2016, after he made a credible performance at the recent International Association of Athletics Federation World Indoor Championships.Despite failing to win a medal, Mvumvure was happy to set a national record in the 60m sprint at the event in Sopot, Poland from March 7-9.
The world championship was his first major event of the year and he said focus should now be on his preferred 100m and 200m events.
“With this being my first major event of the year I think I am on the right direction for this year to be a great one. I thank God for the good health I am enjoying, so far,” said Mvumvure.
During the event in Sopot, the United States-based athlete bowed out in the semi-finals but not before he had set a new record in the 60m event.
“I actually set two personal bests, the second one which was a national record. In the preliminaries, I came 5th and ran 6.64 secs, then in the semi finals I came third after running 6.60 secs.
“I was three places shy of making it into the final but I am content with the personal best marks that I achieved,” said Mvumvure.
The Florida-based athlete said he is hoping to improve on his times as he focuses on the African Athletics Championship in Rabat, Morocco in August this year.
Mvumvure said he could have done better at the indoor championships, but the effect of a long flight from his base took a toll on him.
“The races were great although I was a little jet-lagged from the long travel. Flying for 15 hours with only one day left to the championships was not the ideal situation that I wanted, but I just had to toughen it out.
“I believe I could have done better if it wasn’t for that, but I’m grateful I got to represent my country.
“My next focus in the preparations is to get ready for outdoors. I want to improve on my times from last year in both the 100m and 200m.
“I would like to be consistent with the times as well. I am looking forward to the African Championships but my participation will depend on how prompt the national federation (NAAZ) will be on making possible for that to take place.
“I say that because I was really disappointed on how they handled the process for this year’s World Indoor Championships,” he said.
Bahamas is going to host the thrilling World Relays Meet in May and Mvumvure want NAAZ to put up a team.
“I hope NAAZ, ZOC and the Sports Commission make all contacts to make sure that we take part in a relay to get the required qualification times,” he said.
Long jumper Ngoni Makusha also took part at the indoor championship where he did not go far after managing just 7.85m.
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