Tapiwanashe Makarawu Shatters Zimbabwe’s Indoor 300m Record in the United States
United States-based Zimbabwean sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu has once again proven his prowess on the track, setting a new national indoor 300m record at the Louisville Opener in Kentucky.
The rising star clocked a remarkable 32.72 seconds, breaking the previous record of 33.14 seconds set by Kundai Maguranyanga in 2021. This stellar performance, held at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Centre on Wednesday, positions Makarawu as the third-fastest 300m runner in history under the University of Kentucky’s prestigious track and field programme.
A Stellar Start to the 2024-2025 Season
Makarawu’s record-breaking run marks an impressive start to the 2024-2025 athletic season. Currently ranked sixth in the world, the Zimbabwean sprinter continues to make waves in international athletics. His transition to the University of Kentucky from New Mexico Junior College earlier this year has bolstered his career, with access to world-class training facilities and coaching.
His record-breaking form was also evident in the 60m preliminaries at the same meet, where he clocked the fastest time of 6.75 seconds. However, he opted out of the final to focus on longer distances.
Zimbabwe Celebrates a New Athletic Icon
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) took to social media to applaud Makarawu’s achievement. In a celebratory post, ZOC highlighted his groundbreaking feat:
“Huge congratulations to Tapiwa Makarawu on shattering the indoor 300m national record. @carliemakarawu blazed across the finish line with an impressive time of 32.72 seconds, eclipsing the previous record of 33.14 seconds set by Kundai Maguranyanga.”
Sports analysts have praised Makarawu’s potential, noting his versatility across various sprint distances. His achievements mirror Zimbabwe’s growing reputation in athletics, with athletes like Rutendo Nyahora and Ngoni Makusha also making international strides.
A Trailblazer for Zimbabwean Athletics
Makarawu’s success signifies a bright future for Zimbabwean athletes on the global stage. His dedication and discipline offer inspiration to upcoming talent in Zimbabwe and across Africa. Experts predict he may become a major contender in both regional and global competitions, including the Olympics.
As Makarawu continues to break barriers, the sports fraternity eagerly anticipates his upcoming performances in other indoor and outdoor meets this season.
