Sprinter Makusha positive despite setback

Sport
Zimbabwe sprint star Ngoni Makusha has remained positive despite failing to make Olympics qualifying times in Zambia at the weekend.

BY MAGRETH RUZVIDZO

Zimbabwe sprint star Ngoni Makusha has remained positive despite failing to make Olympics qualifying times in Zambia at the weekend.

The event was held in Lusaka, with athletes from the host country, Malawi, South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda and Zimbabwe taking part in the competition.

He said he was pleased with his performance despite the setback in his bid to participate at the Tokyo Games in July.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t manage to hit the qualifying times, but I’m still happy with the performance. I have been consistent all season and so I know all it takes is one race to get it right,” Makusha said.

In the 100m race, he finished in a time of 10,26 secs, and clocked 20,77secs in the 200m race.

“The competition wasn’t challenging at all.

“It’s just that when you are under pressure to achieve something, it weighs you down. At times you tense up and do not run properly. It was a good event, can’t complain much about anything. Just a few delays here and there, but overall, it was okay.”

For the 4x100m relay, he teamed up with Itayi Vambe, Dicksson Kamungeremu and Gerrin Muwishi, and they also fell short.

“We did a time of 39,70secs, which is still not enough as we needed at least 38,40 secs,” Makusha said.

Makusha is currently planning on a visit to Italy.

“If all is in order, by next weekend, I should be leaving.

“Right now, I am just working on my visas and finances,” he said.

He has since qualified for the Africa Athletics Championships in Algeria, where he will get another shot at qualifying for the Olympics.

The event was supposed to be held from June 1, but has been moved to the 24th of the same month.

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