Olympian Mpofu happy after injury

ZIMBABWE Olympic medal hopeful Isaac Mpofu is happy with his performance at the just ended Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which he used to test his recovery from a back injury.

Mpofu competed in the 21,1km race, crossing the line fourth in a time of one hour five minutes 20 seconds.

“I am happy with my performance. I think l did well and my recovery from the back injury is progressing well. Just as l had highlighted before the weekend’s race, this is my journey to full fitness,” he said.

Mpofu became the first Zimbabwean to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in December last year.

He qualified with the time he ran at the 2022 Valencia Marathon where he finished a credible 12th in two hours six minutes 48 seconds.

In April, the long distance runner pulled out of the ZITF Coca-Cola Four-Minute Mile Challenge final, two and a half laps into the race as he seemed to strain his back.

Mpofu, who had been training in Hwange in his preparation for the Victoria Falls race, has set his eyes on the World Championships that are scheduled for Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27.

Mpofu’s last international race was the Boston Marathon in April where he finished in position 19, completing the 42km in two hours 14 minutes 8 seconds.

Kenya’s Evans Chebet retained the men’s Boston Marathon title in two hours five minutes 04 seconds.