Two local runners stern Lifa and Asimenye Simwaka are close to making history by becoming the first Malawians to qualify for the Olympic Games. The two reportedly performed well during the qualifiers for 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Heroes Stadium, Lusaka Zambia on 6th March 2021. Lifa competed in short distance sprinting 100, 200- meter (m) events alongside Gift Kawale whereas Simwaka took part in a short distance and middle distance 400m
But it was Lifa and Simwaka who stole the show for breaking records. Lifa broke his personal best he registered at the world Athletics championship in Doha, Qatar, in 2019. Simwaka has broken the national record in 400m set by late Gertrude Banda.
This means Lifa and Simwaka will take part in the final qualifiers slated to take place in Botswana next month. Mercy Malembo participated in 1,500 and 3,000m. Kawale and Malembo also managed their personal best. Both Malembo and Kawale also have an opportunity to qualify for the Tokyo games.
“Our athletes have performed well. We are gaining a mile. We wish them all the best. Thanks to the technical team and MOC”. The four athletes travelled to Zambia by road using Malawi Olympic (MOC) Bus alongside coach Pachisi Nyasulu and leader of delegation James Mangani.
Said Mr. Chitembeya the Athletics General Secretary
MOC General secretary urged the athletes to keep on working hard. “We want to encourage them to aim higher. They should not relax because the qualifiers are not yet over.” Malawi athletes have never qualified for the Olympics games but have been participating on solidarity grounds and we are urging these athletes to qualify. Local athletes from sporting codes namely archery, Judo, and athletics will participate in the qualifiers”.
Said Captain Kaputa