Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S speed kings Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu are rewriting the record books and have been tipped to make even more history if they keep flying.
The two sprint sensations have taken the athletics world by storm, clocking blistering times on US college tracks and shining on the global stage.
Coach Khumbulani Dube, a Kenya-trained athletics guru based at NUST, believes the duo is only just getting started.
“If they keep getting better, there’s more history to be made,” said Dube, who began his own journey in rural Gwanda inspired by 800m junior record holder Zibusiso Nyoni.
Last year, the pair broke barriers by both running sub 20 seconds in the 200m, Makarawu with 19.94 and Charamba close behind at 19.95.
Makarawu also stormed into the top three during the indoor season with a scorching 20.29, before clinching a medal at the 2024 African Championships in Cameroon.
Their biggest statement came in Paris where, for the first time ever, Zimbabwe had two sprinters in an Olympic final.
And they’re not done yet. Both now hold the world’s fastest indoor 200m time of 20.13 this year, achieved on the tight curves of an indoor track which experts say translates to sub 20 outdoors.
Last month, Charamba lit up the track with a Zimbabwean record of 19.92 seconds. But it didn’t last long. Makarawu turned up the heat with a sizzling 19.84 gold medal run from lane nine at the NCAA finals.
They have now both qualified for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
“This is rare. Two athletes from one African country going 1-2 at the NCAA level? That’s elite company. We’re witnessing something special,” said Dube.
From Gwanda to global greatness, Zimbabwe’s sprint factory is in full swing and the world better take notice.
