adminTedious Manyepo Sports Reporter
WHEN Millen Matende crossed the finish line first in the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in 2hours 19minutes and 3 seconds last Sunday, he was undecided on whether to celebrate or not.
First, he wanted to outfox his foe Nkosiyasi Sibanda whom he had played second fiddle to on his two previous attempts at the annual race.
Secondly, he needed to hit the line in the International Athletics Association Federation-stipulated 2hrs 19 secs or under, which would enable him to qualify for the World Championships slated for London next year.
Matende managed to outsmart Sibanda but as soon as the Black Rhinos man realised he had missed the IAAF-demanded World Championships qualifying time, he was left dejected.
“It was so painful to miss out on the World Championships qualifying time by just three seconds. I thought I had done enough to both outgun my all-time Victoria Falls Marathon rival Sibanda and make it even sweeter by meeting the IAAF qualifying time.
“But, as I realised that I had come short on meeting the time, a wild sensation ran all over me and I could feel that I wanted to collapse. It was just so hurting but that’s part of the sport.
“You either hit the target or miss. I will try next time,’’ he said.
For his exploits the Mutare-born middle and long-distance runner walked away $900 richer but the pain of missing out on the golden opportunity to notch a World Championships qualifying time still haunts him.
He still has the chance to clock it though when he participates in the Cape Town Marathon and Mosal Bay Marathon penciled for September.
“I am now back at training, working on some aspects of the game which I need to improve.
“I am fit and I am just praying for injuries to spare me.
“I need to go to South Africa with a positive mind and try to work out something.
That way I know I will finally realise my dream of competing in the World Championships,” he said.
Matende, who is under the wings of former Olympic Games runner Tendai Chimusasa, is not short on international experience as he previously took part in the Rio de Janeiro Military Games in 2011 where he gave a good account of himself.
At 33, it remains to be seen if Matende can one day bring home medals from big international events like the African Games and Olympics.
Online Reporter