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Ellina Mhlanga in Paris, France
WITH Team Zimbabwe members posting some encouraging performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics Games, chef de mission Ringisai Mapondera says he is pleased with the results posted by the athletes.
Following Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba’s top-eight finish in the men’s 200m event, Mapondera believes with the right support more can be achieved.
Makarawu was placed sixth in the final and Charamba was eighth.
“I am impressed with the performance of the team. I am impressed particularly with how the sprinters in the 200m performed.
“I applaud the athletes, the two athletes for their efforts, and their spirit in how they performed in these Olympics. Everyone is abuzz about them . . . They excelled.
“It is an important achievement for athletes in Zimbabwe, even an important achievement for those aspiring to reach the same heights.
“Makarawu was just two athletes away from being a medal winner and I am sure come LA 2028, we will see a lot form this young man.”
However, he was quick to point out that there is a need to look at how different stakeholders can contribute to continuous growth and success in sports.
“Everyone will be aware of their achievement, the question we have to ask ourselves as Zimbabweans is how are we getting to this stage? What more can we do to ensure that every Olympics we have this thing re-happening and reoccurring?
“Going forward Zimbabwe can build on this. We need to look at how are these young men doing it. What is it that they are doing that we are not doing back home? Where are they, and how are they excelling?
“What more can we do as a sporting industry? What more can we do as corporates to support sport from an early stage and not just wait for the event, and not just wait for the glory? What more can we do, that is the question.
“Going forward we need to build on this. We need to continue pushing to support all athletes in the medal-hopeful sports that are there in the cause that we have for Zimbabwe that have shown that they can excel.
“We can excel, we have excelled before, we can do it again,” said Mapondera.
Makarawu, also secured his place at next year’s World Athletics Championships when running 20.07 seconds in the opening heats on Monday.
And on Friday, he expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his journey.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the countless individuals, companies, colleges, schools, and universities who have supported me throughout my running career, which has ultimately led me to the pinnacle of competition — the 200m Olympics final.
“Your unwavering belief, encouragement, and guidance have been the driving force behind my success.
“To my parents Richard and Listener Makarawu and family who have sacrificed so much and been my rock throughout this journey, I am forever grateful. Your love and support mean the world to me.
“To my coaches, trainers, and mentors, your expertise and dedication have helped shape me into the athlete I am today. Your influence has been invaluable, and I thank you for your tireless efforts.
“To my friends, teammates, and fellow athletes, your camaraderie and support has made this journey an unforgettable experience. Your encouragement and motivation has pushed me to reach new heights.
“To my sponsors, supporters, and fans, your belief in me and my abilities has meant everything. Your cheers, messages, and unwavering support has fuelled my passion and driven me to succeed,” said Makarawu in a message he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
He also acknowledged the International Olympic Committee, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, the government, Sport and Recreation Commission, the US Embassy in Zimbabwe, The Salvation Army Church, the University of Kentucky, New Mexico Junior College, Bradley High School, and Mazowe High School as well as the media.
“This achievement is not just mine, but yours as well. I share it with every one of you, and I am honoured to have had the priviledge of representing our community on the world stage. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“This is just but the beginning. We look forward to more wins.”
Online Reporter