Mpofu eyes World Championship glory

TOP Iong-distance runner, Isaac Mpofu, has set his sights on the World Athletics (WA) Championships success, having already begun preparations for the prestigious event scheduled for later this year.

As part of his training, Mpofu participated in the Bulawayo Athletics Board (Bab) Track and Field Championships held over the weekend.

Mpofu sees these races as excellent preparation for the events leading up to the World Championships. Already planning his next steps, he is focusing on the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, set for September 13-21, 2025.

Mpofu competed in two events at the Bab championships, the 1500m and the 5000m. In the 1500m, he took first place with a time of 4 minutes and 5.78 seconds.

He also dominated the 5000m, finishing with a time of 14 minutes and 56 seconds.

“This competition was a crucial part of my build-up towards the World Championships. It’s about staying sharp and making sure I am in the right shape as I prepare for bigger challenges later this year.

“It’s important to be at a World stage like World Championships, Olympics, African Games and Senior Championships. Everyone wants to make it to that stage.The key is preparation and all the stuff needed during preparation, “said Mpofu.

Mpofu had a standout year in 2024, with notable performances at the Olympics, where he finished 19th.
He also brought home a bronze medal from the African Games in Accra, Ghana.

In Ghana, Mpofu crossed the finishing line in third place with a time of 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 58 seconds.
The Bab championships held at the weekend saw reigning female athlete of the year Tulange Mudenda from Binga win the 5000m race with an impressive time of 18 minutes and 17 seconds.

The championships also coincided with the Coach Education and Certification Systems (CECS) and the Technical Officials Education and Certification System (TOECS) courses, both held at the same venue.

Notable results on the track included, Thokozile Kunene’s win in the 200m Girls Cadets category with a time of 30.23 seconds, while Luda Dube finished second with a time of 32.19 seconds.

In the Women’s 200m final, Rutendo Vushe took first place with a time of 25.55 seconds. Nomazulu Ndlovu and Nompumelelo Gadluma secured second and third places, respectively, with times of 29.37 seconds.

Priscilla Bhuda won the 100m hurdles with a time of 20.81 seconds, followed by Ruvarashe Marufu in second place at 22.38 seconds, and Hayley Dube in third with a time of 23.87 seconds. — @innocentskizoe.