Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE road to World Athletics Championships has typically been tough, but resilience and hard work finally paid dividends for Zimbabwean runner Tendai Zimuto.
The long-distance runner made the cut for the global meet courtesy of his world ranking.
But his maiden qualification for the event came a long way.
He is one of the athletes the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe have, in the last few years, earmarked for international events. Zimuto was part of the camp for the Olympics last year, training along with Isaac Mpofu, who was preparing for the Games.
“What I can say is qualifying for the World Championships is something huge and exciting. As an athlete, it’s something you always hope for; it’s every athlete’s dream.
“It’s something positive even for your profile. You get recognised for some of the major events. It becomes easy to get invitations for races like the Boston Marathon or the Berlin Marathon, for example.” Zimuto qualified by world rankings together with seasoned runner Isaac Mpofu for the championships in Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21.
For Mpofu, it is going to be his fourth appearance at the world meet.
“My training partner (Isaac Mpofu) has been my inspiration. Just looking at his dedication, the hard work and all the effort he puts in to attain his goals, it inspires me a lot.
“And also, other local-based athletes that have made it to international events.
“He has been to the World Championships three times. He has been to the Olympics as well.
“I can learn from his experiences,” Zimuto said. They are already in camp in Harare, under the guidance of Chauke.
Zimuto’s first attempt on a marathon was the CBZ Marathon in 2023. He won the race in 2 hours 18 minutes 32 seconds. He retained the title last year when crossing the finish line in 2 hours 18 minutes 38 seconds. He also won last year’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in 2 hours 17 minutes 14 seconds. The 29-year-old has also made notable progress on the international stage, running under 2:10 twice.
His first international race was the Enschede Marathon in the Netherlands last year in April and he posted a time of 2 hours 9 minutes 30 seconds.
He then took part in the TCS Amsterdam Marathon late last year and clocked 2 hours 9 minutes 43 seconds.
Both races were aimed at qualification.
The Black Rhinos Athletics Club athlete admits it has been tough, but determination and the support he has received have been key in propelling his efforts.
“It was not an easy road to qualify. It was by world ranking. But it was not easy, we have been trying since last year.
“I tried even for the Olympics, but I failed. However, that work I have been putting in has paid off.
“In all that I want to thank coach Benson Chauke and Isaac, my training partner. We have been together on this journey. Sometimes, it gets tough, but we keep pushing.
“I want to thank my organisation ZNA (Zimbabwe National Army), for releasing me to be in camp, to train and participate in all the races I attended.
“Also, NAAZ, they paid for all my travelling expenses, all the races I attended, and ZOC (Zimbabwe Olympic Committee) also. They have been supportive and other individuals who came on board.
“I want to thank my family for all the support behind the scenes.
“I am grateful for all the support.”
“I wish, and I hope we will continue to get the support because on our own, we cannot afford some of the things. There is a lot that goes in during training and preparation for a race, especially taking into consideration the times being posted these days, it’s not easy,” Zimuto said.
He is aware of the task ahead, competing with the world’s best, some with direct qualification, having run the qualifying times.
For men, it was 2 hours 6 minutes 30 seconds, and for women, it was 2 hours 23 minutes 30 seconds.
