Athletics

Zimbabwe: Chauke Salutes Tendai Zimuto

As distance runner Tendai Zimuto celebrates his not too long ago gained Harare Athletic Board Senior Males Athlete of the 12 months award, his coach Benson Chauke hopes the feat motivates him.

Zimuto is among the a number of athletes not too long ago honoured by the provincial board for his or her achievements in 2024.

Having had a great season final yr, successful a number of the nation’s high races, together with the CBZ marathon and the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, Zimuto discovered himself among the many province’s high athletes.

“For Tendai being chosen to be a provincial (senior males’s) athlete of the 12 months for 2024, it is a recognition of the exploits he has had throughout the (previous) yr.

“The outcomes that he posted presumably stands out.

“And the board picks such performances and such onerous work to attempt to have fun with him.

“And have fun with the province the onerous work he has put in to achieve these performances by way of his marathon instances in Europe, working 2:09 twice.

“Additionally being the nationwide champion for 10 000m, and likewise his efficiency for the Hamburg half marathon in Germany,” mentioned Chauke.

He believes the popularity can inspire the long-distance runner and encourage different athletes.

“It brings a purpose to go for coaching, a purpose to get up, to work onerous, for him to have the ability to get that form of recognition.

“He’s joyful to be recognised and I hope this may encourage different athletes to additionally wish to be recognised as such.”

Zimuto is among the a number of hopefuls for qualification to the World Championships. “His plans is likely to be to attempt to qualify for World Championships and presumably make the group for the World Championships.

“These are the most important plans for the yr. “In any other case, another smaller plans, these are going to be decided by the coach and the supervisor,” Chauke mentioned.

Different winners included Ethel Pangiso, additionally a distance runner, who walked away with the Senior Ladies Athlete of the 12 months award.

HAB chairperson Cousinet Simunyu mentioned the awards are a testomony to dedication and fervour.

“The challenges we confronted, the victories we celebrated, and the bonds we’ve fashioned are what make our group robust.