By Tendai Chisiri
Zimbabwean sprint star Ngoni Makusha made a roaring statement on the European circuit this weekend, clinching two bronze medals at the prestigious Dampicourt Speed Night on Saturday evening.
Competing against a stacked international field under the floodlights, Makusha proved his mettle by claiming a podium finish in both the men’s 100-metre and 200-metre sprint showcases.
In the blue-riband 100-metre final, Belgium’s own Antoine Snyders delighted the home crowd, blasting out of the blocks to storm across the finish line first in a blistering 10.15 seconds. French speedster Jehan Anicet pushed him all the way to secure the runner-up spot in 10.32 seconds. Makusha showed exceptional composure out of the transition phase, digging deep over the final 30 metres to clock a solid 10.46 seconds to seal 3rd place.
The podium script repeated itself in the 200-metre dash later in the evening. Snyders completed his sprint double, taking gold in a rapid 20.25 seconds, while Anicet again settled for second place in 20.56 seconds. Makusha flexed his endurance down the home straight to check in at 21.13 seconds, completing his double-podium haul for the night.
Makusha was not the only Zimbabwean flying the national flag in Virton. Compatriot Artwell Simon also booked spots in both premier finals, delivering highly commendable performances against elite European opposition.
Simon crossed the line in 7th place in the 100-metre final with a time of 10.90 seconds. He bounced back strongly in the 200-metre final, shaving off considerable track space to finish 6th with a time of 22.04 seconds.
The double-podium performance by Makusha, backed by Simon’s dual finals appearances, signals an exciting trajectory for Zimbabwe’s sprinting contingent as they continue their mid-year European campaign
Makusha posted on his Facebook celebrating the win. ” Those who rejoice in the Lord will renew their strength”, he posted.
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