As distance runner Tendai Zimuto celebrates his just lately gained Harare Athletic Board Senior Males Athlete of the Yr award, his coach Benson Chauke hopes the feat motivates him.
Zimuto is likely one of the a number of athletes just lately honoured by the provincial board for his or her achievements in 2024.
Having had a very good season final yr, successful among 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 throughout the (previous) yr.
“The outcomes that he posted probably stands out.
“And the board picks such performances and such exhausting work to try to have a good time with him.
“And have a good time with the province the exhausting work he has put in to realize these performances when it comes to his marathon occasions in Europe, working 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 purpose to go for coaching, a purpose to get up, to work exhausting, for him to have the ability to get that type of recognition.
“He’s blissful to be recognised and I hope this would possibly encourage different athletes to additionally need to be recognised as such.”
Zimuto is likely one of the a number of hopefuls for qualification to the World Championships. “His plans could be to try to qualify for World Championships and probably make the group for the World Championships.
“These are the most important plans for the yr. “In any other case, another 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 fashioned are what make our neighborhood robust.
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“It’s by means 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 Associate of the Yr.
The Harare province group have been voted group of the yr.