Andrew
Tinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
CHENGETAYI Mapaya has gone through quite the metamorphosis during his five-year stay at Texas Christian University (TCU).
It has had its highs, with the Zimbabwe triple-jumper breaking records every year, and a couple of lows such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and, most recently, the injury that saw him sit out this year’s Tokyo Olympics.
However, as the 23-year-old readies for his final semester at TCU, ‘Du Airlines’ is now on the runway and ready for take-off.
Or at least that is what the Zimbabwe triple jump champion would like you to know.
“Du Airlines is my triple jump name; that is the name commentators even use when I compete here in the US,” said Mapaya.
One of the life lessons that TCU has taught him is the benefits of having a very strong mental game.
Take the hamstring injury that robbed him of the opportunity to become an Olympian, for example.
He did not hang his head and wallow in self-pity.
Rather, the youngster tuned into the Games and considered them an opportunity to learn.
“The Olympics have come and gone, and I can’t really say I was disappointed,” he said.
“It was more of just accepting the reality and not letting it get me down.
“Injuries are a common occurrence in sport, and my fate is way bigger than just one injury.
“I actually watched the Games, taking notes and having fun with the whole experience.”
Mapaya intends to turn professional upon completing his studies next year.
“It was fun watching the Games and knowing that I will be competing against these guys soon.
“I enjoyed the experience.
“I was among those jumping around in celebration when Yulimar Rojas broke the women’s world triple jump record (15,67m).
“That was like a major highlight for me.”
The 23-year-old went down with a hamstring tear while still trying to qualify for the Games at the NCAA National Outdoor Championships on June 12.
To make matters worse, it was soon announced that the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) had secured the youngster a wildcard entry to compete at the Games.
“This is probably the worst injury of my career.
“I tore my hamstring and, in the moment, it was really painful.
“I think that is the most pain I have ever felt in my life,” he said.
After three months of extensive rehabilitation, he has since been cleared to start training again.
The goal now is to give the NCAA circuit one more try, after which Mapaya intends to turn pro.
In the time since his clearance, his time has been divided between studies and training.
It has led to many sacrifices, with his recent birthday (December 19) and the Christmas holidays topping the list.
“I didn’t do much on my birthday, except to attend a small dinner with a few of my friends here in the US,” said the triple-jumper.
“The season is upon us, so there is no time for parties and things like that.
“This is our last season, so the focus is on training and our studies,” he said.
It was more or less the same thing with yesterday’s Christmas celebration.
“It’s fortunate that the day falls on my day off (Saturday), so I will just visit a couple of relatives I have here in the US,” said Mapaya on Christmas Eve.
“Aside from that, it is probably going to be a low-key day in which I hang out with my friends Tino Matiyenga, Simbarashe Maketa and Kundai Maguranyanga.
“Over the years, these guys have become my surrogate family and we might do something together.
“I will definitely call and chat with the rest of my family,” he said.
Online Reporter