Veteran runner Chidzivo targets Olympics
Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Veteran long-distance runner Fortunate Chidzivo is confident of making it to the Olympic Games set for Paris in July.
Chidzivo made a huge statement of intent after winning the 2024 Post Insurance Marathon at the weekend
The veteran runner who has already represented Zimbabwe at the African Games and the World Athletics championships showed her class by outlasting Kenyans who were competing in the country for the first time.
Chidzivo moved to the front around the 7km mark and held on to claim victory in 1 hour 13 minutes. 12 seconds ahead of Kenyan Daise Kipsufiut, while Filipa Dube was a close third.
For an athlete who has been to most senior championships, her dream is to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics.
“I am happy for the race, we train to win and this is preparing us for other bigger races. My target is to represent Zimbabwe at the Olympics so I am fighting to qualify in future events,” she said.
The 2024 Paris Olympic qualification window closes at the end of next month.
Meanwhile, rising star Wayne Kabondo from Mr Pace Athletics Club won the men’s race after romping to victory in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 57 seconds, while Black Rhinos’ Wellington Varevi was second with Blessing Waisoni concluding the podium positions.
The organisers were excited about the turnout of professional athletes.
“As Zimpost we are excited to team up with our partners under the Post Insurance brand. We have managed to sponsor the third edition of the Post Insurance Mr Pace marathon to the tune of US$20 000. We have received a lot of athletes who have competed in the 21km marathon 10km and the turnout of the professional athletes shows how much the race has grown,” said the Zim Post Managing Director, Maxwell Chitendeni.
Veterans Kelvin Pangiso and Chiedza Chokore also showed their heyday class when they took to the track in the veterans’ race.
