As distance runner Tendai Zimuto celebrates his not too long ago received Harare Athletic Board Senior Males Athlete of the Yr award, his coach Benson Chauke hopes the feat motivates him.
Zimuto is without doubt one of 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 12 months, successful a few 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 Yr for 2024, it is a recognition of the exploits he has had through the (previous) 12 months.
“The outcomes that he posted probably stands out.
“And the board picks such performances and such laborious work to attempt to have fun with him.
“And have fun with the province the laborious work he has put in to realize these performances when it comes to his marathon instances in Europe, operating 2:09 twice.
“Additionally being the nationwide champion for 10 000m, and in addition 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 motive to go for coaching, a motive to get up, to work laborious, for him to have the ability to get that form of recognition.
“He’s glad to be recognised and I hope this would possibly encourage different athletes to additionally wish to be recognised as such.”
Zimuto is without doubt one of the a number of hopefuls for qualification to the World Championships. “His plans is perhaps to attempt to qualify for World Championships and probably make the crew for the World Championships.
“These are the foremost plans for the 12 months. “In any other case, some other 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 Girls Athlete of the Yr award.
HAB chairperson Cousinet Simunyu mentioned the awards are a testomony to dedication and keenness.
“The challenges we confronted, the victories we celebrated, and the bonds we’ve shaped are what make our group sturdy.
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“It’s by way of our collective efforts that we proceed to raise the requirements of athletics in Harare,” mentioned Simunyu.
Munyaradzi Katiyo and Stella Jongwe have been topped Para Sport Man and Girl Athlete of the Yr.
For the juniors, Wellington Zingwe and Brenda Njodzi have been the winners, whereas Collen Jimu and Mavhuto Tumba walked away with the Official and Coach of the Yr awards.
Harare Athletic Membership (HAC) have been voted Companion of the Yr.
The Harare province crew have been voted crew of the 12 months.
