Kudakwashe Chadenga: Zimbabwe’s Rising High Jump Star

Kudakwashe Chadenga, a talented high jumper from Harare, Zimbabwe, is rapidly making a name for himself in the world of athletics. His journey from a sprinter in primary school to a record-breaking high jumper is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport.

A Journey Rooted in Passion

Chadenga’s introduction to high jump came during his time at Prince Edward School, where he first experimented with the sport in Form 1. However, it wasn’t until Form 4 that he truly embraced it.

“I started falling in love with the sport in Form 4. That’s when I began winning, and the progress I was making surprised me,” he recalls.

Before high jump, he pursued sprinting at David Livingstone Primary School, but soon realized it wasn’t his strength.

“The uncomfortable reality hit me—I wasn’t as fast as I thought. That’s when I switched focus to high jump,” he explains.

Chadenga was mentored by his older brother, Munyaradzi Chadenga, who played a pivotal role in his development, coaching him throughout high school. He also draws inspiration from Usain Bolt, LeBron James, Mike Tyson, and Mutaz Barshim, who have shaped his competitive mindset.

Thriving on the International Stage

Currently, Chadenga trains at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he competes among some of the world’s best athletes. He acknowledges the impact of this elite training environment on his progress.

“Training at LSU has helped me immensely because I’m surrounded by the best. The environment pushes me to constantly improve,” he says.

Competing in the United States has further sharpened his skills.

“The competition here is tough, and I don’t have to go searching for it—it’s always around me. Competing against top athletes week in and week out keeps me on my toes,” he adds.

Challenges Facing Zimbabwean Athletes

Despite his success, Chadenga highlights the challenges faced by Zimbabwean athletes, particularly the lack of consistent support from the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ).

“The biggest challenge for me and many of my fellow athletes is that we aren’t supported consistently by NAAZ or other committees. They mainly reach out when we’ve achieved something significant,” he notes.

He also feels that Zimbabwean athletes often go unnoticed.

“We don’t receive the recognition we deserve. More attention needs to be given to athletes who are working hard to represent the country internationally,” he states.

Breaking Records and Making History

One of Chadenga’s biggest milestones came when he broke the Zimbabwean high jump record—twice.

“My most memorable moment was breaking the Zimbabwean record two years ago. I broke it twice, and I had to remind myself how long it had taken for others to do the same. It felt like the record had been waiting for me,” he says.

The Future of Zimbabwean Athletics

Chadenga believes Zimbabwean athletics has great potential, but improvements are needed in areas like talent scouting and infrastructure development.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement. We need better systems to scout talented young athletes and help them reach their potential,” he says.

He also stresses the importance of government support in upgrading sports facilities, particularly tracks, to help athletes perform at international standards.

“Improving tracks and providing better equipment is crucial to avoid injuries and to help athletes perform at their best,” he emphasizes.

Eyes on the Future

Chadenga remains focused on turning his aspirations into reality.

“My goal is to become a professional high jumper and to compete on the international stage, bringing home a medal,” he declares.

With his determination, elite training, and competitive spirit, Chadenga is well on his way to achieving greatness. As he continues to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage, he hopes to inspire young athletes back home to push beyond their limits.

His advice to aspiring athletes is simple yet powerful:

“Keep working hard, listen to your coaches, and remember—the results you achieve in training will determine how badly you want success. Lastly, no one is above the system.”