Online Reporter
Latwell Nyangu
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Chido Maenzanise continues to make waves after winning her 27th medal at the Zambia Strongman competitions over the weekend.
In the process, she has also qualified for the South Africa Strongman Championships, which are set for October this year.
Maenzanise, who has previously earned two bronze and three silver medals from different international competitions, is Africa’s strongest woman. In Zambia, other athletes included Vimbai Goba, who secured a silver medal, while Trevor Chingosho finished fifth in the men’s category.
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Sports and my sponsors for helping me participate in these competitions,” she said.
“Zambia is home to the world’s strongest man, who ranks number 8 globally, and they also have the 4th and 10th strongest women in the world. I came here not expecting to win gold because I was already feeling the pressure of the competition.
“The event was of world standard, as we competed for two days, and two of our activities were part of the world competition, designed to sharpen our skills for the African and world championships.
“I am feeling happy and I would like to thank God.”
Maenzanise added that her focus is now on upcoming African and world championships.
“I believe there is still room for achieving even higher records if sponsorship is available.
“I am overwhelmed to accomplish feats that many men could not, such as truck pulling and the farmer’s walk.
“It’s not easy and events like truck pulling, log press max, deadlift for reps, medley, yoke into sled pull, and farmer’s walk are incredibly challenging. “Every time I compete, I enjoy being among the top contestants.”
President of the Strongman Federation of Zimbabwe Knowledge “Knox” Musengi praised Maenzanise’s success.
“These athletes have made the nation proud with their impressive performances in the recent Zambia Strongest Man and Woman competitions,” he said.
“Their success can be attributed to the generous funding support from the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), which enabled them to showcase their talents on both regional and global stages.
“The Zimbabwe Strongman Federation has played a crucial role in promoting the growth and development of strongman sports in the country.” Musengi added that the success of these athletes will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of Zimbabweans to take up strongman sports, providing the growth and development of the sport in the nation.
