The country’s top athlete Asimenye Simwaka has shifted her focus to 200m distance in the ongoing Senior African Athletics Championship in Douala, Cameroon.
Simwaka set a new national and personal best record in 100m when she ran 11:35, making her the first female local athlete to run this fast, but failed to meet the Olympic Games qualifying time of 11:07.
However, the Malawi Defence Force athlete has a chance to redeem herself in 200m.
Her coach Pachisi Nyasulu said Simwaka underwent special training sessions Monday in preparation for Tuesday’s events.
“I have advised her to maintain her focus and determination. She should not be afraid of anybody. She has realised that she is also fast enough and she can run. That is a good thing, which brings confidence.
“In preparation, we have done our 40m sprints and 60 sprints, which will help her to be fast when she is starting off. It is important to start off nicely and fast but also relax legs as she is going on. She is more balanced and runs at a good speed. That is what we have worked on. I know she will do well and she is confident,” Nyasulu said.
During the 100m final, Simwaka finished sixth with 11:49. Gina Mariam Bitaye of Gambia emerged winner after posting 11:14 while Maia McCoy of Liberia was second in 11:16. Maboundou Kone of Ivory Coast finished third in 11:24.
She reached the semifinals after she ran a record of 11:51, which was her personal best but also a national record for 100m in Malawi. She broke the record again in the semifinals.
0 Comments