The dream continues for Chidzivo

FORTUNATE CHIDZIVO has always fancied herself as more of a boxer than a marathon runner.

Nonethelss, today the 29-year-old will line up with some of the leading marathon runners in the world at the IAAF World Championships in London. Chidzivo, who only took to road running as part of her boxing training programme, is confident of grabbing a medal in her maiden international competition. “My selection into the national team came at the right time because I have been praying for the chance to represent my country for a long time,” she said.

“I started as a boxer but running is part of boxing so basically boxing landed me here and I’m ready to showcase my talent.

“Winning the marathon event would represent the ultimate and most significant achievement in my career and I’m confident about it.”

Chidzivo will join Rutendo Nyahora, who has been Zimbabwe’s leading female athlete for some time now, in the bid to bring World Championship glory to the country.

“Nyahora is a legend who has done well for herself and I am honoured to be in the same team with her. We are not in a competition against each other, we are there to complement each other and ensure that Zimbabwe is represented well,” said Chidzivo. National Athletics Association Zimbabwe president Tendai Tagara has backed Team Zimbabwe – which also includes Cuthbert Nyasango, Milan Matende and Pardon Ndhlovu – to do the country proud.

“The World Championships are one of the biggest running platforms for athletes internationally and this time our country has a strong team which will surely represent us well,” he said.

“The athletes have all been posting good times and are eager to do well so our con- fidence is not misplaced. “Indeed we would like a medal or two but our message to each member of the team is that we need them to give it their best shot.”