Chronicle Editor
Lovemore Dube in Cameroon
CHENGETAI Mapaya ended Zimbabwe’s five-day wait for a medal when he bagged silver in the triple jump.
He jumped 16,87m in his first attempt, which stood as his best for the event.
Returning from an injury that restricted him to a few events this year, Mapaya was full of confidence going into the championships.
Mapaya said silver was not what he expected, as he aimed to qualify for the Olympics.
“This is not what I wanted or expected. I could have done better. My season was hit by injuries. I am happy for the team,” said Mapaya.
His 16,87m jump is the 29th best of the year and with the International Olympic Committee chasing 32 for the Paris Olympics, Mapaya has an outside chance of being part of the Games. He is keeping his fingers crossed that he earns a berth.
An ecstatic Pakamile Lisimati, the Zimbabwe team coach, was happy with Mapaya breaking the medals’ duck.
“What is more exciting is the quality of the medal. In Mauritius we won bronze with the 4x400m team, today we have silver,” said Lisimati.
Star sprinter, Tapiwanashe Makarawu won his 200m heat to qualify for the final this afternoon after he blew his opponents in the 200m in a time of 20,67 seconds.
Coming quick off the blocks and into the home stretch, Makarawu trotted to the end in a comfortable win.
“It’s good to have won. I was out there having fun and reserved my energy for tomorrow’s final,” said Makarawu.
Lisimati said there is still hope for more silverware in Makarawu and Miller who finished third in the women’s 400m hurdles.
Lisimati also disclosed that they had decided to pull out of the 4x400m to protect Makarawu who was a reserve in the team.
The fourth member of the relay team Ngoni Makusha was left with an injury in his 200m semi-final run.
“We would rather reserve Makarawu for the 200m final,” said Lisimati.
The 400m hurdles and 200m final are set for today.
Online Reporter