The Sunday Mail
SHE took the world by surprise when she opted to compete at last month’s World Junior Championships in the United States barefooted.
That Enlitha Ncube went on to clock a personal best time of 4 minutes 40 seconds in the 1 500 meter race made the Zimbabwean’s story the talk of the games.
The 15-year-old, who hails from Silobela, believed she could perform better without a new pair of spikes she had never trained in. Ncube is set to take to the big stage again when she com
petes at the World Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China this week.
The games, which are expected to attract more than 3000 athletes aged between 14 and 18, will run from August 16-28.
Zimbabwe’s contingent of 10 athletes and 6 officials will depart tomorrow.
The question is will Ncube run barefoot?
“I will wear spikes. In the US I decided against using the new ones I was bought just before the championships because I hadn’t trained in them,” she disclosed.
“At the World Junior Championships people were surprised to see me warming up without sprint spikes; they thought I would wear them just before the race, but I chose to trust my feet.
“An athlete by the name Akela (Jones) from Barbados whom I met at the games promised me spikes which I am expecting this month . . . so I will have two pairs.”
Away from the spikes drama, Ncube says her US experience was eye-opening.
The young athlete now has her eyes set on bettering her record in China.
“I am training hard, I want to bring gold from the Youth Olympics. The World Championships made me realise that medals don’t just come on a silver platter, they are worked for,” said Ncube.
“I am happy with the American experience; it taught me the importance of training. I feel I did not put much effort in preparation for the championships, but this time it will be a different act.
“I got encouragement from other athletes during the World Championships; they told me I had a bright future and age is still on my side.
“I am beginning to realise that I can earn a living from the sport; my attitude will be different from now on.”
Athletics Association of Zimbabwe vice president Enias Ndoro reckons Ncube can “re-write” the history of Zimbabwean athletics.
“She is a very bright prospect; if she remains focused Enlitha can re-write the history of Zimbabwean athletics. She still has three more years of competing at the World Junior Championships and we will closely monitor her progress and offer all the necessary support,” he said.
Team Zimbabwe:
Aquatics: Chad Idelhson and Robyn Lee
Coach: Lorna Riley
Athletics: Enlitha Ncube, Titus Nyathi and Maryjoy Mudyiravanji
Coach: Briad Nhubu
Equestrian: Sophie Teede
Coach: Charley Crockart
Rowing: Daniella DuToit and Kyle Hinde
Coach: Joanne Swanepoel
Triathlon: Serena Rendell and Drew Williams
Coach: Pamela Fulton
Young Ambassador: Rukudzo Gona.
