South African expert flies in to fine tune White City timer

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub

AN international expert arrives in Zimbabwe today to help fine-tune the electronic timing system at White City Stadium ahead of Saturday’s National Under-20 Junior Championships — a high-stakes meet where rising stars will race not only for provincial glory but also for places in Zimbabwe’s AUSC Region 5 and Junior Africa Championships squads.

South Africa’s Campbell Angus Jan has been roped in by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (Naaz) to assess and oversee the high-tech system’s readiness for the championships, which have attracted over 400 junior athletes from across the country.

Naaz president Tendai Tagara said the association is excited about both the turnout and the timing upgrade.

“Naaz is pleased with the preparations for the Under-20 Junior Championships at White City Stadium.

“We’re happy that an international expert is arriving today from South Africa to manage the electronic timing system, which is crucial as many athletes rely on it, especially in short-distance events, to secure scholarships abroad.

“We’re expecting a large turnout of junior athletes from across the country, with over 400 registrations.

“We’ve ensured that all juniors are covered and urge coaches to communicate with Watson Madanyika, the chairman of the local board, to confirm registration.

“We don’t want any athlete arriving only to find they aren’t registered,” said Tagara.

White City’s electronic timer system includes a wireless false start detector, ultrasonic wind measurement, MacPhoto finish timing scoreboard, LED field scoreboard, starting blocks, and a video wall.

The MacPhoto finish camera, which had been sent to Belgium for repairs, is now fully operational.

Though the system was installed in 2014, its rollout was delayed after contractors failed to complete the full athletics track on time, with only the 100m stretch meeting international standards.
— @innocentskizoe