Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WITH three months to go before the World Athletics Championships come to life in Tokyo, Japan, Zimbabwe’s Tapiwanashe Makarawu is determined to ensure he is in a better position to challenge for a medal on his return to the global meet.
The championships are due to take place from September 13 to 21.
Makarawu secured his place in the 200m during the Olympic Games last year.
He was part of Zimbabwe’s team at the previous championships in Budapest, Hungary, in 2023, where he bowed out in the heats when clocking 20.64 seconds to finish fourth.
But since then, Makarawu has been on the rise, qualifying for the Olympics and placing sixth in the final.
He has continuously improved his times, running sub-20 on several occasions and is the current 200m national record holder with a time of 19.84 seconds.
Makarawu admits he wants to make the podium come September, when he returns to the World Championships.
“If it’s part of God’s plan, anything is possible. Every athlete out there wants to be a champion in their career no matter what sport they play, what only differentiates them from others is God’s plan and the amount of work they put in.
“Yes, I want a podium finish in Tokyo. I will work towards that, but at the end of the day, God has the final say.” Not only is he looking at a good preparation for 200m, but he is also considering chasing qualification for 100m.
The qualifying window closes in August for track and field events. The qualifying time for men’s 100m is 10.00 seconds.
Since the collegiate season concluded a few weeks ago, he is considering races in Europe, with the guidance of his coach Darryl Anderson.
“Yes, I am considering that, since I have a few races in Europe, I will see if it’s part of God’s plan or not.
“NCAAs is the final competition at the collegiate level, so after this I and my coach are planning on running some few 100m races in Europe in preparation for the World Championships.
“And since I also didn’t have a chance to run the 100m during my school season due to injury,” Makarawu said.
The 24-year-old, who rose through the junior rankings, representing Zimbabwe at the World Under-18 Championships in 2017, says it has been a long but worthwhile journey.
Makarawu is a former National Sports Academy athlete and also a former Bindura University of Science Education student.
He moved to the US in 2022, joining New Mexico Junior College on a scholarship. He then moved to the University of Kentucky last year where he is studying psychology.
“I always believed in myself since I was a kid. I am proud of myself for that.
“I always believed that God had a plan with me from the moment I qualified for the 2017 Youth World Championships.
“So, I trusted God and the long process, and now here I am.
“My turning point as an athlete was when I got a scholarship to compete in Junior College at New Mexico Junior College and looking at my background and the battles that me and my family fought and won, the belief that anything is possible has kept me going,” Makarawu said.
After concluding his collegiate season on a high, winning the 200m title, having had to deal with an injury at some point Makarawu said, “I would best describe my season so far as God leading the way, me following his footsteps.”
Faith has kept him going.
“I would say as an athlete I just rooted my faith in God and believed in his plan and also trusted my coach and trusted the process as well.
“Honestly it is a blessing for sure, I really do believe miracles really do happen in our lives. It only takes those that really believe to see them manifest.
“Not so many people come back from an injury and still run well. It wasn’t easy to be mentally healthy and strong.
“And also, physically healthy and strong, at the same time you have school. It’s not as easy as some people think it is. But it can only be God who can help us to overcome all that,” added Makarawu.
