Zimbabwe’s top sprinter, Tapiwanashe Makarawu, has been honoured in the City of Hobbs, New Mexico, United States of America, where September 3 has been officially designated to celebrate his achievements on the track.
Makarawu finished sixth in the men’s 200m final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, crossing the finish line in 20.10 seconds. The gold medal was claimed by Letsile Tebogo of Botswana, who set an impressive time of 19.46 seconds.
The proclamation was signed by Hobbs Mayor Sam D. Cobb and attested to by City Clerk Jan Fletcher. It reads:
<blockquote>
Office of the Mayor
Hobbs, New Mexico
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Tapiwanashe Makarawu, known to his friends as “Carlie” won 6th Place in the men’s 200 meter dash finals at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France. Although he did not win a medal he placed sixth in world and that is quite an accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, Carlie has been at the NMJC for 2 years and graduated in 2024. He has transferred to University of Kentucky to pursue a career in Psychology and to train for the NCAA Division I track competition. He is originally from Zimbabwe, Africa and he said of his experience at the Olympics “it’s one of those times when you want to achieve something, you’re going to have to work very hard”; and
WHEREAS, New Mexico Junior College Director of Athletics, Deron Clark said “Carlie has been a proud piece of the NMJC track history. His representation of our institution at the Olympics will always be a shining star added to the long list of program achievements”. Clark said that NMJC is just proud to be mentioned in Carlie’s long list of successes”, and
WHEREAS, Carlie has won 6 All-American honors in outdoor track and field in the 100, 200, and 4×100 meter relays. The indoor season provided Carlie with 5 more All- American honors in the (2) 60-meter, (2) 200 meter and the 4×400 meter relay. He said his next target is trying to qualify for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sam D. Cobb, Mayor of the City of Hobbs, New Mexico, do hereby proclaim September 3rd, 2024 as,
“TAPIWANASHE MAKARAWU DAY”
in the City of Hobbs in honor of his great accomplishment of placing 6th in the world at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games. We wish Carlie continued success.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 3rd day of September 2024, and cause the seal of the City of Hobbs to be affixed hereto.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Zimbabwean runner Tapiwanashe Makarawu got a special day in a city in America. He finished 6th in the 200m race at the Paris Olympics. The mayor of Hobbs, New Mexico, said September 3 would be "Tapiwanashe Makarawu Day" to honor him. Makarawu wants to qualify for the next Olympic Games. He studied at New Mexico Junior College and now wants to do Psychology at the University of Kentucky. The city is proud of him and wishes him more success.

Zimbabwean Sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu Celebrated With Special Day In American City

Zimbabwe’s sprinters at the 2024 Paris Olympics Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba have progressed to the 200m finals.
Charamba finished 3rd in the semi-finals Heat Two with 20.31 seconds and Makarawu also finished in 3rd position in Heat Three with 20.16 seconds.
The two sprinters are following in the footsteps of Brain Dzingai, who reached the final at the 2008 Olympics.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/charamba-makarawu-sprint-into-olympic-final/">The Herald</a>, Charamba, who is the son of the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet (Presidential Communications), George Charamba, said:
<blockquote>
The aim of coming here was just to enjoy myself like I said (before) I am not setting expectations for myself, I am just going to try to go there and have fun.
So, I went out there, had fun, and ended up making the final Tapiwa and me.
We can now call ourselves the history makers because, at the end of the day, people never expected two Zimbabweans to be in the final.
It’s a great feeling because the last time Zimbabwe, if I am not mistaken, had a person who was an Olympic finalist in athletics it was Brian Dzingai who is my mentor also.
So, I listen to him. So, by listening to him I managed to make the Olympic final and it’s just a great feeling for me, him, and Tapiwa.
</blockquote>
The heat was won by Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo in 19.96 seconds, with United States favourite Noah Lyles coming second in 20.08s. Added Charamba:
<blockquote>
I will probably say it was very pivotal because it was him (Dzingai) and coach Ken (Harnden), he is my coach right now in Auburn. He is a Zimbabwean.
They all played a big role and brought me into the system. I trusted the system and I am now an Olympic finalist.
</blockquote>
Makarawu had another good performance, though he finished behind USA’s Erriyon Knighton who won the race in 20.09s and Joseph Fahnbulleh who was second in 20.12s. Said Makarawu:
<blockquote>
It was impressive for sure, I started feeling tired after 150m. But I think it was okay… I am still impressed that I made it to the finals. It has been my target since last year. So, I am glad today I made that dream come true.
Whatever is going to happen in the final I don’t mind because I have attained the goals that I set for myself for this year. So, I am happy for myself and I thank God for that.
It is such an honour and we thank God for that because it’s history that we made, me and Makanaka and we thank God for that because without God we couldn’t have made the finals but with Him everything is possible and we have made history.
And we are going to do our best tomorrow? We will see how it goes.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's runners, Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu, have made it to the 200m finals at the Paris Olympics. Charamba finished 3rd in his heat, and Makarawu also finished 3rd in his heat. They are following in the footsteps of Brian Dzingai, who reached the final in 2008. Charamba and Makarawu are excited to be in the final and are grateful for the support they have received. They are proud to have made history for Zimbabwe. They are looking forward to doing their best in the final and are grateful for the opportunity to compete at the Olympics.

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