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Raymond Jaravaza
AFRICA, Kenya in particular, is known for its long distance runners that have dominated international marathon meets such as the Olympics but Zimbabwe could one day announce its arrival too, that is if the case of a primary school long distance runner and others like him is taken seriously.
For Obey Makamu (9) competing in a 21-kilometre half-marathon against veteran athletes three times his age or even more is all part of a daya��s job.
He is fast making headway in the marathon world and was possibly the youngest runner to compete in the 21,2km Econet Victoria Falls Marathon finishing in an impressive one hour 13 minutes and 59 seconds.
He deservedly finished the race in the top 20 against veteran athletes in the July race.
Makamu broke into the athletics lime light as a six-year-old when he took part in the Under-16, 6km Nketa Park cross-country race and the 10km Old Mutual Nkulumane fun run in 2014.
He ran the 6km in 28mis 39,66secs finishing in position 14.
It seems the love for athletics runs in the family as his father Brian used to run for Harlem Sports Club in Mutare.
a�?Obey started following me out on my daily exercises when he was two years old and showed enthusiasm for athletics at that young age. In other countries parents introduce their children to sports at a very young age and I did not see anything wrong with introducing my son to athletics,a�? said Brian.
Celebrated sportspersons Kirsty Coventry and retired tennis players Wayne and Byron Black were introduced to their respective sporting codes at tender ages.
How does the boy juggle school and marathon?
Judging by his performance in the Grade 4 class at Hlekwenia��s Samathonga Primary School outside Bulawayo, the rising athlete is balancing the two quite well.
a�?School comes first and he knows it. Ita��s important that he gets good results and at the same time still pursue athletics. He can make a living through athletics if he fails academically,a�? added Brian.
Sports scientist Bhekuzulu Khumalo, while praising Obey, said rushing the boy into gruelling races risked stifling his development.
a�?It is good to see such a young talent but it needs to be nurtured in a proper way. Obey did well with his pace but he must practise in shorter distances and be gradually introduced to longer distances as he grows. Overloading him scientifically can affect his development,a�? said Khumalo.
Therea��s been debate in other countries as to how young is too young to run marathons because in the United States more children are taking to the sport.
a�?There is, at present, no scientific evidence that supports or refutes the safety of children who participate in marathons. There are no recorded data on injuries sustained by children who run marathons . . . Ultimately, there is no reason to disallow participation of a young athlete in a properly run marathon as long as the athlete enjoys the activity and is asymptomatic,a�? an American study carried out in 2007A� on children and marathon concluded.
Online Reporter