POLITICALLY, 2009 is most remembered as the year in which local antagonising political parties got together to form what is now known as Government of National Unity (GNU).
Report by Albert Marufu
In sport; marathoner Stephen Muzhingi announced his arrival on the international scene breaking Russian runners’ domination of the Comrades Marathon.
Running officially on a pair of 33-year old legs, Muzhingi surprised all and sundry when he romped home in 5 hours 23 minutes and 27 seconds to win the race.
The victory, surprising as it was, brought smiles to Zimbabweans some of whom may at that time, have been wondering where their next meal would come from.
While most people were still thinking that his victory was a fluke, Muzhingi won the race again in 2010.
The following year he beat Bruce Fordyce’s record by winning the grueling ultra-marathon.
Victories came up with sponsorship deals and the prestigious visit to President Robert Mugabe who gave him US$50 000, but the athlete’s star appears to be waning as evidenced by a streak of dismal performances.
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Last week he failed to defend the Two Oceans marathon finishing outside the top 30 when he was tipped to win.
Muzhingi, who according to official records turns 37 in October this year, finished on a disappointing position 34 in a time of 3 hours 27 seconds last weekend.
Muzhingi, who claims to be 32, disputing his official date of birth, was seven minutes 33 seconds behind the time he set last year when he won the race, prompting many to think that he is now a spent force.
Though this year’s winner South African David Gatebe’s time of 3hours 8minutes and 54 seconds fell 54 seconds off Muzhingi’s which he set last year, it was local female runners Rutendo Nyahora and Tabitha Tsatsa who stole the thunder.
Tsatsa finished the race second in a time of 3 hours 39 minutes and 57 seconds, while Nyahora finished on sixth position.
