adminMzingaye Sibanda Sports Reporter
VETERAN road-runner Wirimai Juwawo was among three athletes who qualified for the Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile Challenge during the Bulawayo Athletics Board (BAB) Track and Field Championships held at White City Stadium yesterday.Juwawo, Jonathan Chinyoka and Trust Chidomoya join nine other athletes that will be participating in the finals that will be held during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) next month.
Chinyoka clocked four minutes 28 seconds, Juwawo followed a second later while Chidomoya clocked four minutes 30 seconds.
Juwawo said he was happy to bounce back to the event after a three-year absence.
“Qualifying for the Four-Minute Mile finals is harder than running in the finals. I am happy that I have done it. It’s been three years since I last took part in shorter distances. I am happy to be back because it helps me to stay sharp,” said Juwawo.
The BAB track and field competition suffered a low turnout because most athletes are still nursing injuries from school competitions held in the past weeks.
Juwawo has been concentrating on long distances where he has one of the best marathon times among Zimbabweans and achieved a top 20 finish in the London Marathon.
BAB chairman Manuel Mpofu said he was happy that almost all the clubs were represented although few athletes took part in the events.
“Most athletes are injured from schools competitions, but the attendance shows commitment which is good. Other clubs are taking part in the Super8 competition which is taking part in Harare today (yesterday). That is why we are having few participants,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bulawayo Province selected 168 athletes to participate in the Paralympics Games to be held in Marondera next week.
Athletes are expected to go into camp on April 7 at Eveline High School ahead of departure on April 10.
Athletes competed in soccer for those with a hearing impairment and five-a-side for the intellectually challenged, athletics, wheelchair basketball, tennis and netball.
Bulawayo Province Sport and Recreation Commission communications manager Dave Simba said the Paralympics committee has set the budget for the games which is $54,000.
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