Zimbabwe athletes dominated the AUSC Region 5 Games athletics program during competition held at Swakopmund in Namibia. Teenage distance runners created history when they captured the top three positions in the girls 5000 meter race. Tulange Mudenda from Binga crossed the finish line first with a winning time of 18 minutes and 11.50 seconds. Ratidzo Mutepfe secured second place by clocking 18 minutes and 23.92 seconds while Thelma Murando earned bronze with her 18 minutes and 37.20 seconds effort. The clean sweep reminded observers of the golden period during the late 1990s and early 2000s when coaches developed world class talent.
Sprint events produced more success stories for the visiting team from Zimbabwe. Trey Tawananyasha Chimunya demolished his competition in the boys 100 meter dash by recording 10.58 seconds and finishing more than five meters ahead of his nearest rival. Hayley Chingono grabbed silver in the girls 200 meter final after running 12.32 seconds. Field events delivered even greater rewards as the boys triple jump podium featured three Zimbabwe athletes. Leeroy Chishaya won gold with 14.42 meters while Takunda Mutizwa and Dylane Chamakwara claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Para-athletes representing Zimbabwe competed alongside their able-bodied teammates and achieved top five finishes across multiple classifications. The medal collection extended beyond individual events as athletes demonstrated depth across track and field disciplines. National Athletics Association vice president Siphathisiwe Machaya praised the young competitors for bringing pride to their country and creating optimism about future prospects.
Sprint events produced more success stories for the visiting team from Zimbabwe. Trey Tawananyasha Chimunya demolished his competition in the boys 100 meter dash by recording 10.58 seconds and finishing more than five meters ahead of his nearest rival. Hayley Chingono grabbed silver in the girls 200 meter final after running 12.32 seconds. Field events delivered even greater rewards as the boys triple jump podium featured three Zimbabwe athletes. Leeroy Chishaya won gold with 14.42 meters while Takunda Mutizwa and Dylane Chamakwara claimed silver and bronze respectively.
Para-athletes representing Zimbabwe competed alongside their able-bodied teammates and achieved top five finishes across multiple classifications. The medal collection extended beyond individual events as athletes demonstrated depth across track and field disciplines. National Athletics Association vice president Siphathisiwe Machaya praised the young competitors for bringing pride to their country and creating optimism about future prospects.
