By Zim Sport Live Writer
Sprint sensations Makanakaishe Charamba and Tapiwanashe Makarawu — who captured national attention after storming into the men’s 200m final at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games — have received a major boost in their journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games after being named among the nine recipients of the Olympic Solidarity Scholarships.
The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) unveiled the scholarship cohort at a ceremony in Harare, describing the initiative as a pivotal step in preparing world-class athletes for the next Olympic cycle.
The programme, supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), provides financial assistance for training, competition, medical support, and qualification events on the road to LA 2028.
ZOC said it was “thrilled” with the partnership, praising Nedbank’s commitment to developing Zimbabwean sport and strengthening the country’s international competitiveness.
Charamba and Makarawu, who delivered one of Zimbabwe’s standout performances in Paris by lining up together in the prestigious 200m final, are expected to be central figures in the nation’s Olympic ambitions over the next four years.
Their inclusion in the scholarship programme highlights ZOC’s intent to build on their breakthrough and elevate Zimbabwean sprinting to new heights.
The event was attended by US Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont, and senior government officials, including Mrs. Cynthia Mawema, who represented the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe.
Families of local and international-based athletes also joined the celebrations.
The ceremony also honoured the country’s recent Olympians, with Tokyo 2020 long jumper Ngoni Makusha and Paris 2024 marathoner Isaac Mpofu receiving Olympic pins in recognition of their achievements.
Alongside Charamba and Makarawu, the scholarship list features a blend of rising stars from athletics, swimming, tennis and triathlon: Andie Kuipers (Triathlon), Anje van As (Swimming), Ashley Miller (Athletics), Benjamin Lock (Tennis), Paige Van Der Westhuizen (Swimming), Tendai Zimuto (Athletics), and Vimbai Maisvorewa (Athletics).
ZOC said the scholarships are designed to fuel Zimbabwe’s competitive edge as the nation targets not just Olympic qualification but podium contention in 2028.
With Charamba and Makarawu already proving they can compete among the world’s elite, the support could not have come at a better time.
As the countdown to Los Angeles begins, Zimbabwe’s hopes on the track will once again rest heavily on the two sprinters who lit up Paris — now backed by a programme aimed at turning promise into podiums.