Hop, swag and jump

23 Jul, 2017 - 00:07 0 Views
Hop, swag and jump Sunday Mail

The Sunday Mail

Brighton Zhawi and Tariro Charandura
HE took up triple jump because he felt it had a swagger to it and would go a long way towards impressing the girls.

Today Chengetayi Mapaya is the African champion, record holder and on the verge of taking on the world.

The 18-year-old jumped his way into the record books at the recent Confederation of African Athletics Southern Region (Seniors) Championship at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Mapaya landed on the 16,30m mark, breaking the African Junior Athletics Championships record of 16,16m set by Algeria’s Ali Bouguesba in 2009.

And he did it soon after recovering from a back injury. “I only had a week to prepare because of the injury,” revealed the St George’s College student. “The injury first knocked me down last term, it comes and goes but three weeks before the competition it really became unbearable.

“I pushed myself in the week before the competition and just like any athlete I went into battle determined to win despite the fact that I was grounded by injury.

“I gave it my all and am honoured to be the African champion as well as national and continental record holder,” said Mapaya who is now dreaming of being the world champion.

“Being the best African triple jumper means I have accomplished my mission here in Africa and I have the ability to go further beyond.” Mapaya took up triple jump three years ago as part of a mission to look sophisticated.

“Well, honestly, I just wanted to have an event I could do in the Saints Athletics team. It could have been the swag factor,” revealed Mapaya with a laugh.

“I had to find something that revealed my character and triple jump looked to be that thing. All I wanted was to make it into the school team because it was more like swag at our school. However, when I made it to the districts and came first I realised that I had some talent. It was only then that I started training seriously.”

Mapaya is studying Maths, Business Studies and Accounting at Advanced Level and has secured a scholarship to Texas Christian University in the United States though is “not yet sure of what programme to study there”. The starlet paid tribute to people who have helped him along the way. “My coach Brenda Leipe played a huge role in what I am today. She was always there for me. Also, I would like to thank Mr Makwabara of Hammer & Tongues for supporting me financially, and also my uncle, Mr Mandiwara, for always being an inspiration.

“Last, but not least, I have to pay tribute to my parents for believing in my sports as they are more on the academic side” said Mapaya.

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