Paris Olympics: Zimbabwean duo shines in 200m heats

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

In a thrilling display of speed and determination, Zimbabwean sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba have qualified for the finals of the 200m race at the Paris Olympics, joining an elite group of just three Zimbabweans to have ever achieved this feat.

As the crowd held its collective breath, Makarawu and Charamba blazed through their respective heats, finishing third but securing their spots in Wednesday’s finals as non-automatic qualifiers.

They’ll face off against the world’s best sprinters, including Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo and USA’s Noah Lyles, in a battle for a historic podium finish.

Charamba, the first Zimbabwean on the track in Heat 1, clocked an impressive 20.31 seconds, just behind Tebogo’s blistering 19.96 seconds and Lyles’ 20.08 seconds.

Makarawu, meanwhile, competed in Heat 3, which was won by American Erriyon Knighton in 20.09 seconds.

Makarawu’s time of 20.16 seconds earned him a spot in the finals as one of the fastest losers, ensuring Africa’s strong representation in the final.

As the nation holds its breath, Makarawu and Charamba are poised to give their best performance yet.

Their qualification has sent shockwaves of excitement through the athletic community, with fans eagerly anticipating the final showdown.

Back in Zimbabwe, supporters from all walks of life are rallying behind the duo, celebrating their incredible achievement.

As the world watches with bated breath, Makarawu and Charamba will step onto the track today at 20:30 hours, carrying the hopes and dreams of a nation.