Wenslus Murape
Robson Sharuko, Editor
THERE was no fairytale ending for Zimbabwean sprinters – Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanaka Charamba – as the duo, who have captured the imagination of the nation, could not crack the medal code in an explosive 200m men’s final in Paris, France, last night.
Makarawu finished sixth in 20s flat while Charamba finished eighth in 20.53s.
The two athletes were making their debut at the Olympics.
But, after giving Zimbabwe its first two finalists in a track event at the Olympics in history, the two sprinters, dubbed the MAKAMAKA Express, should still hold their heads high despite failing to pick a medal.
Letshile Tebogo from Botswana won the race with an African record of 19.46s.
It’s Botswana’s first gold at the Olympics.
Tebogo, who lost his mother a few months ago, came in as the favourite after posting the strongest performances in the semi-finals.
American sprinter, Kenneth Bednarck, finished second in 19.62s.
The fastest man in the world, 100m champion Noah Lyles, could only finish third and was wheeled off the track on a wheelchair after the race.
It was revealed by the United States athletics officials that Lyles had contracted Covid-19.
“It was a good experience,” said Makarawu.”It was the most relaxed race I have ever run in my life.
“I wish I could get a lane among those fast guys but it is what it is.
“I tried my best, coming sixth in the world, it means a lot to me. It really means we are going somewhere as Zimbabwe.”
Charamba said:
“It’s my debut, I can’t complain about anything. To be honest, I was scared, this is my first time racing these guys, these are big guys.
“Now, I have the experience, I will just carry it forward. I now know what to do so I will just go back to the drawing board, rest a bit and get into off-season training.
“It’s a dream come true that I have been to the Olympic Games. Nobody thought I would make the final, finishing in the top eight, nobody can take that awa from me.
“This was a learning curve.”
Online Reporter