Isaac Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto Qualify for World Athletics Championships in Tokyo

Zimbabwe’s marathon running stars, Isaac Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto, have secured their spots at the upcoming World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo, Japan this August. The two athletes, both rising stars in the marathon scene, have made a remarkable leap in their careers, qualifying for one of the most prestigious events in world athletics.

In a statement on Thursday, Tendai Tagara, President of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ), expressed his delight and confirmed the qualification of Mpofu and Zimuto.

“The closing window is over. What is left are the 800m, 1,500m, and field events. Marathon qualifying by time ended on 5 May. After the marathons’ qualifying window, they publish all the athletes that have qualified. It’s either you qualify by time or by ranking. Our boys qualified by ranking,” Tagara explained.

Isaac Mpofu: Zimbabwe’s Marathon Star

Isaac Mpofu, born on August 20, 1988, has firmly established himself as Zimbabwe’s leading marathon runner. His career reached new heights with a national marathon record of 2 hours 06 minutes 48 seconds at the Valencia Marathon in December 2022, cementing his place as one of the world’s top marathoners.

Mpofu’s international experience is vast, having consistently performed on the global stage. Notably, he finished 19th at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and placed 10th at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with a time of 2 hours 07 minutes 56 seconds. In 2023, he clocked 2 hours 11 minutes 33 seconds to secure 16th place at the World Championships in Budapest, proving his continued competitiveness in elite marathon running.

Mpofu’s achievements, coupled with his experience, make him a strong contender as he heads to Tokyo for the World Athletics Championships.

Tendai Zimuto: A Rising Talent

Tendai Zimuto, born on July 25, 1995, is part of Zimbabwe’s next generation of marathon runners. With a personal best of 2 hours 09 minutes 44 seconds, which he set at the Amsterdam Marathon last year, Zimuto is quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the international marathon scene. His performance at the Amsterdam Marathon, where he secured a top 10 finish, highlighted his potential and has now earned him a spot at the World Championships in Tokyo.

Strong Start for Zimbabwe: Other Athletes Already Qualified

In addition to Mpofu and Zimuto, Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu, both 200m sprinters, have also qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo. Charamba and Makarawu are celebrated for their indoor 200m time of 20.13 seconds this year, solidifying Zimbabwe’s presence in multiple athletic disciplines at the global event.

With four athletes already guaranteed a spot in Tokyo, Tagara remains optimistic that more athletes could qualify in the coming months, especially with the remaining events yet to be finalized.

A Significant Milestone for Zimbabwean Athletics

The qualification of Isaac Mpofu and Tendai Zimuto for the World Athletics Championships marks a monumental achievement for Zimbabwean athletics. Their success not only highlights their individual hard work and dedication but also reflects the effectiveness of the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe’s (NAAZ) development programs. These programs have played a crucial role in nurturing Zimbabwe’s athletic talent, allowing athletes like Mpofu and Zimuto to compete on the world stage.

As the World Championships approach, the hopes of a nation rest on the shoulders of these exceptional athletes, who are poised to make their mark in Tokyo and bring pride to Zimbabwe’s athletics community.