TAPIWANASHE Makarawu, Zimbabwe’s fastest runner and the world’s number seven, has made his father, Richard Makarawu, immensely proud after clinching the 2025 National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) Athletes Excellency Award.
He won the prestigious honour ahead of Makanakaishe Charamba and long-distance runner Isaac Mpofu.
The athletes’ award ceremony, presided over by NAAZ, took place over the weekend at the Bindura University of Science Education.
Speaking to the media after collecting the award on his son’s behalf, Richard admitted that he initially harboured small dreams regarding Tapiwanashe’s talent.
“I honour God over Tapiwa’s life. He started running in his sixth grade; it seemed like a joke. We sometimes discouraged him,” he confessed.
Richard explained that while Tapiwanashe was clearly talented, in his youth, sport was not viewed as a profitable career.
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This belief was the reason he was initially against Tapiwa’s athletics journey.
“I was an 800 metres runner, but I didn’t go too far with sport. Long back, people didn’t value sport,” he said.
“The talent started from me to my elder son, Tatenda, to his sister Maggie, but Tapiwa raised the bar when sport is considered.
“If the other children (only) got the same opportunity as Tapiwa had, they would be at the same level.”
Richard highlighted the regret he felt for having disappointed his son by not taking his dream of a serious, life-changing career in sport seriously at first.
“I don’t know what to say; who am I? Tapiwa raised the family’s name. Today, I am holding his trophy; he is not here —he is outside the country. I was the one who discouraged him,” he stated emotionally.
Richard concluded by urging young people to shun vain things and focus on their future.
“Everything we do, we must believe in God and follow the nurturing of your parents; you will go further.
“Tapiwa is no longer a burden; he is having his life, and is doing things on his own through his athletics career,” he said, celebrating his son’s success and independence.
List of award winners
Male Junior Athletes
- M Chimunya Tawananyasha Trey
- Khumalo Gift
Female Junior Athletes
- Nyahuma Anesu
- Chipuriro Martha
- Chingono Hayley
Male Youth Athletes
- Mutizwa Takunda
- Mzondo Ropafadzo
- Nyamazana Jackson
- Mafoti Ishmael V
Female Youth Athletes
- Mudenda Tulange
- Moiller Mullar
- Kachambwa Kimberly
Junior Coach of the Year
- Manhuwa McGregor
- Ndlovu Efredge
- Nyasango Cuthbert
Youth Coach of the Year
- Njere Shumba
- Kugara Walter
- Neria Tembo
Official of the Year 2025
- Jim Collen
- Nhoro Enias
- Mutero Tawanda
Sports Veteran Journalist
Lovemore Dube
Crown of Excellence Trophy
- Tapiwanashe Makarawu
Female Senior Athletes
- Ashley Miller
- Maisvoreva Vimbai
- Chidzivo Fortunate
Male Senior Athletes
- Makarawu Tapiwanashe
- Charamba Makanaka
- Issac Mpofu
Provinces
- Bulawayo
- Harare
- Mashonaland West
Senior Coach of the Year
- Chauke Ben
- Mavhuto Thumba
- Zibusiso Nyoni