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Ellina Mhlanga in PARIS, France
ZIMBABWE long-distance running king Isaac Mpofu finally took his Olympic Games bow yesterday morning and was satisfied with his top-20 finish in the marathon race in Paris.
Mpofu put on a spirited performance that saw him cross the finish line in 19th place after clocking 2 hours 10 minutes 9 seconds. Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola came first in 2 hours 6 minutes 26 seconds, setting a new Olympic record. Bashir Abdi of Belgium was second in 2 hours 6 minutes 47 seconds and Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took the bronze medal in a time of 2 hours 7 minutes.
Mpofu admitted the course was a bit challenging, with the hot weather conditions making the situation worse. He was nonetheless pleased with the outcome.
“The race was good, everything was okay. But the terrain was a little bit challenging,” Mpofu said.
“But I coped well. The time that I got, 2:10, that was our target, 2:10 and below. So, I managed to run 2:10. At least I tried my best. Honestly, the terrain was tough and the weather conditions were hotter. I am happy, although I wanted a top-10 finish. That’s the outcome of the day and I am still happy. I just thank God and we shall prepare for the next coming Games.”
The course was a full 42,2km stretch and not a looped one, with some hilly parts along the route. Mpofu gave a good account of himself, ensuring he was within the top-20 racers for much of the marathon. He occupied position 23 at the halfway mark, eased into the leading 20 runners in the last 7km and finally settled for a 19th place when he crossed the finish line. The Zimbabwe marathon record holder said it had not been an easy journey for him as he worked to qualify and prepare for the Games.
“To be honest, the preparations were very tough. Tough and challenging,” he said.
“But we managed to cope and we managed to come here while I was injury-free. We have just seen the outcome. It was a challenging day, but a good experience for me. What I learnt is that sometimes you just need to adjust according to the weather conditions. I think that is the one lesson which I got, which must be corrected in the near future. It had a big effect not just on me but on other athletes too. Some of the ones expected to win the race, the role models, couldn’t finish it. So, I can say it was challenging indeed and a challenging terrain.”
Out of the 80 athletes who lined up at the starting point, 71 managed to finish the race. Among those who did not finish the race was favourite Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya, who was hunting for his third Olympic title in Paris.
Mpofu’s coach, Benson Chauke, was content with the performance.
“I am happy for Isaac. It’s his first Olympics. The field was something else, quality field from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, the powerhouses of long and middle distances, they were all here,” he said.
“The most decorated ever athletes to grace the marathon, (Kenenisa) Bekele, Kipchoge, Tola, the eventual winner, all these really made the event a big one.
“But for Isaac to be part of that competition, it’s a milestone in his life, it’s a milestone for me. I am happy with his performance. Each race is unique and what happens in a race will change even if you plan. At times things don’t turn out the way you would have planned. “
“We were planning a top-10 finish, but there are times when probably what you have planned is not going to manifest. So, still we are happy with the top-20 finish.”
Rutendo Nyahora will be the last Zimbabwean athlete in action when she competes in the women’s marathon this morning.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter