Zimbabwe’s athletics director of coaching Tendai Tagara is delighted after long-distance runner Sharon Tavengwa became the latest athletic to qualify for the London Olympics scheduled for July 27 to August 12.
Tavengwa came first at the Utrecht marathon in Netherlands, last Sunday, with an A Standard qualifying time of 2hrs 35min and 25secs. The A Standard time for females is slotted on 2hrs 37min.
Tagara confirmed the latest development to NewsDay Sport yesterday that Tavengwa had automatically qualified for the Olympics adding that she had one of the best finishing times.
“l am very proud of Sharon Tavengwa after she came first in a marathon in Netherlands last Sunday. “She deserves this result because she works very hard. Sometimes she trains in Kenya where there are best terrains to prepare for marathons,” he said.
“Among our long-distance runners she has achieved the best qualifying time.
“l think in the lady we have one of the best weapons which can carry the flag of our country high in London.
“I think we will be taking the largest contingent of sportsmen and women in track and field events who are going to represent the country.
Cuthbert Nyasango and Ngoni Makusha have also automatically qualified. Before, we travel for the Olympics we are going to host a camp for our long-distance runners in Nyanga,” he added.
