YOUNG Malcolm Gonoremvuu has secured his place in the World Marathon Championships set for February next year in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, after clinching first place in a qualifying event.
Gonoremvuu (11) completed his 1km race for the Under-12 category in a remarkable 3 minutes and 43 seconds.
In an interview with Standard Sport, he expressed his excitement about representing his country on the international stage.
"I am happy, I am grateful to run for my country," he said.
Gonoremvuu, who only started his athletics journey last year, confessed that becoming a runner wasn't originally his ambition.
"I started running last year in June. I want to thank my father, who gave me all the support," he added.
His father, Archford Gonoremvuu, said his son's performance was outstanding.
"Although I was the one to identify his talent, Malcolm surprised me after his first race in Mutare where he finished fifth, in a field congested with older runners," he explained.
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Archford emphasised his full support for his son and his commitment to helping him balance sports and academics.
"Firstly, I want to say education is the key. I make sure Malcolm goes to school every day, and then I make sure he has his dedicated training time," he said.
Since his debut last year, Gonoremvuu has consistently finished his races in the top 10, often competing in events open to every age group.
His races since last year are as follows: Mutare: Tanganda 5km fifth place, Vic Falls: Econet 7.5km seventh place, Chikurubi: General Commissioner of Prison 2024 and 2025 5km first place, Gweru: General Commissioner Police 5km first place, Bulawayo: Liquihub 10km first place, Beitbridge: Kembo Mohadi 10km first place, Mutoko: Mutemwa Leprosy 5km first place, Darwendale: Zipam 5km first place, Bindura: Mash Central propo's gala 5km third place, Bindura: Bindura Marathon 10 km first place.
