ZIMBABWEAN sprint sensation Makanakaishe Charamba has opened his outdoor season with a statement of intent, securing a podium finish at the Yellow Jacket Invitational in Atlanta last Friday.
Competing at the George C. Griffin Track, the Olympic finalist demonstrated that he is ready to build on his growing international reputation in the new season.
Charamba clocked a solid 10.34s in the men’s 100m final, earning third place in a tightly contested race. He finished 0.01s behind his former Auburn University teammate, Azeem Fahmi of Malaysia, who took silver with a time of 10.33s.
The race was won by Cameron Crump, who surged to the gold in 10.20s.
Charamba has rapidly become the face of Zimbabwean sprinting. Currently a senior at Auburn University, Charamba transitioned to the US collegiate system after a dominant stint at Carson-Newman, where he was a multiple-time NCAA Division II All-American.
His biggest breakthrough came on the world stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Charamba stunned track enthusiasts by qualifying for the 200m final alongside fellow Zimbabwean Tapiwanashe Makarawu. He went on to finish eighth in the world in 20.53 seconds, becoming one of only a handful of Zimbabweans to reach an Olympic sprint final.
The 10.34s rust-buster in Atlanta serves as a foundational performance for the long season ahead. Auburn head coach Leroy Burrell noted that the meet was an essential step for athletes to regain their competitive edge following the indoor season and training breaks.
Charamba’s resume is highlighted by his Olympic feat, finishing eighth in the 200m at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He boasts a blistering 200m personal best of 19.95 seconds, becoming only the second Zimbabwean in history to break the 20-second barrier.
- Inside sport: Time is running out minister
- Inside sport: Time is running out minister
- Taekwondo instructor Maritsa honoured by IOC
- In the groove: Has Enzo Ishall rescinded his decision to quit?
