TOKYO – Zimbabwe’s Tapiwanashe Makarau has written his name into the history books after finishing seventh in the men’s 200 metres final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, officially ranking him among the fastest sprinters in the world.
Makarau clocked 20.21 seconds, a personal best and new Zimbabwean record, as he lined up against the sport’s biggest names on Friday night inside Tokyo’s National Stadium.
The race was won in stunning fashion by American star Noah Lyles, who stormed to victory in 19.52 seconds, equalling Usain Bolt’s record of five consecutive world 200m titles.
Kenneth Bednarek of the United States was second with a time of 19.58 with Jamaica’s Bryan Levell taking bronze with a 19.64.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo claimed fourth in 18.65.
For Makarau, the appearance in the world final alone was a historic breakthrough. No Zimbabwean sprinter had ever reached the 200m final at a global championship before.
“To be in a world final, standing next to the best in the sport, and to run my fastest race ever — this is a dream,” Makarau said after the race.
“I know there’s still a lot of work to do, but this shows what Zimbabwe can achieve on the world stage.”
Back home, his feat has been hailed as a watershed moment for Zimbabwean athletics, coming just weeks after Isaac Mpofu’s strong showing in the men’s marathon where he placed second 10th.
With the African Games later this year and the Paris 2028 Olympics now firmly in his sights, Makarau is being tipped as the face of Zimbabwean sprinting for years to come.
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