The Sunday Mail
Tinashe Kusema
A short holiday in the motherland looks like what the doctor ordered for United States-based triple-jumper Chengetayi Mapaya.
With just two weeks before the biggest test of his life — the 2019 IAAF World Championships — Mapaya finds himself in a state of zen.
“Being back in Zimbabwe was truly amazing, it gave me some time to rest and the opportunity to reconnect with my family, whom I had not seen in over a year and a half,” said Mapaya.
“The trip itself was an adventure of sorts, the fuel queues and power outages were a problem at first, but I became accustomed to everything and enjoyed the experience.
“On a more personal note, the trip helped me to get my priorities back on track. Being with my family members reminded me why I am here in the United States.
“Everything I do, whether schoolwork, training or jumping, I do it with them in mind,” he said.
On his return to Texas Christian University a fortnight ago, Mapaya was welcomed with the good news that he had been named co-Sportsperson of the Year, a prize he shared with tennis star Alex Rybakova.
“TCU has about 24 sporting codes and after the end of every season, they selected the top performers, who will be vying for the Sportsman of the Year award.
“I was selected Most Valuable Player for athletics and shared the overall award with a tennis player.
“lt was a humbling experience, it felt pretty good to be recognized for all the sweat and hard work I put into my craft,” he said.
Mapaya was always a shoo-in for the award.
The 20-year-old sophomore has had one of his best seasons. He set new indoor and outdoor triple jump records on his way to being crowned national champion at the NCAA National championships earlier this year. His records currently stand at a 16,63 metres indoors and 17.13 metres outdoors. The latter earned him a place at the 2019 IAAF World Championships, slated for September 27 to October 6 in Doha, Qatar.
He has already started preparing for the Doha meet and seems ready for the games.
“I got a minor injury at the end of the season and l have healed. I have already started working towards the World Championships,” said the former St George’s College student.
“I will be coming up against some of the best jumpers in the world. I used to watch some of them on YouTube to perfect my art, so I am super excited.
“The games will also help me gauge my progress and find out where I stand on an international scale, something that will come in handy next year during the Olympics.
“The goal here will be to give it my all and learn as much as possible.
“I’m targeting a finals berth, and if possible to win it all,” Mapaya said.
