Mapaya steps up Paris 2024 bid

UNITED States-based triple jumper Chengetayi Mapaya has stepped up his bid to secure qualification for the Paris Olympic Games.

The 25-year-old rising star made his long-awaited comeback from injury by finishing in second position in the men’s triple jump event at the Tom Jones Memorial in Gainesville, Florida, at the weekend.

Mapaya, managed a best leap of 16,75 metres in the second of his five attempts to finish behind American veteran Donald Scott, who leapt 16,98 metres in his first attempt to secure the win.

Scott currently hold this season’s world lead in the triple jump following his 17,00 metres leap at the Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville two weeks ago.

While the 16,75 metres leap was below Mapaya’s target of 17,22 metres, which is the qualification standard for the men’s triple jump at the Paris Olympics, he will be confident of booking his Olympic ticket before the cut-off date.

The gifted Zimbabwean triple jumper has endured a lengthy absence due to injuries which have curtailed his progress since graduating from Texas Christian University.

The former St George’s College student was earmarked to represent the country at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but missed out after pulling his hamstring while competing at the 2021 NCAA National Championships at the University of Oregon, Eugene, in the United States.

The injury effectively ruled him out of the qualification process for the COVID-19-delayed Tokyo Games.

Then a Texas Christian University senior, Mapaya was forced to watch the Games from the sidelines.

Mapaya was then forced to get a job to support himself as he went through a rehabilitation process.

However, he is now fit again and ready to chase his Olympic dream.