Sundaymail Editor
Tinashe Kusema
IT has been quite the week for the state of Texas and more importantly for Zimbabwean triple-jump champion Chengetayi Mapaya.
In the days since his inauguration, United States president Joe Biden has had to contend with the uproar from followers of the baseless QAnon Conspiracy Theory and threats of a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton
The Lone Star-state has witnessed a surge in new Covid-19 cases (11, 375), and allegations that a local doctor stole a vile of the coronavirus vaccine.
However, amid all the chaos that currently reigns in the South Central region of the United States, Mapaya has opted to turn a blind eye and focus on the task at hand- qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“My goal remains as it has always been, and that is to qualify for the Olympics.
The 22-year-old triple jumper is currently holed up in his apartment at Texas Christian University, creating a mini-bubble, as athletes in the National College Athletics Association have taken steps to ensure the sport returns safely.
“Covid-19 is still there but the NCAA have taken steps to ensure that all sports resume, and athletes are afforded the opportunity to compete,” said Mapaya.
“Covid-19 protocols have been put in place as we are tested regularly before and after every meet.
“When one contracts the virus, or tests positive, they are quarantined for 10 days, and get started regularly during that time.
“Personally, I am past stressing myself over this pandemic.
“I would like to think that I am on top of the situation as I have followed every regulation and created my small bubble for myself.
“I stay inside the confines of my apartment, and only go out to train and collect food supplies.
“Also, the only people I am in constant contact with are my roommates,” he said.
Having started training, back in June last year, Mapaya has now turned his focus on the NCAA Division One season that started in earnest on Saturday night.
The season will include nine outdoor, and five indoor meets which are all recognised by World Athletics, and will be used as qualification for the Tokyo Games.
“Training has been going on well, and I feel amazing,” said Mapaya.
“I have no fresh injuries, just a niggle here and there, and feel I could start jumping anytime now.
“The season begins this weekend but I think I will officially return next weekend.
“It all depends on my coach, who will decide on which meets I will take part in, as the season is long and there are about 14 indoor and outdoor events” he said.
He is also keenly following events around Tokyo and revealed that he is; “keeping fingers crossed that the Olympics will happen.
“It’s not in our hands, but I intend to prepare for them until such time as they are officially cancelled.
“My mindset is focused on the Games and until such a time as those Games are cancelled, I do not intend to let up on my training and preparation.
“Should the Games get called off nothing changes as my main goal is to be the best.
“I graduate soon and before then I want to break as many records as possible.
“The national triple jump record is the big one, and the time has come for it to be removed from the books,” Mayapa said.
Online Reporter