By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe’s rising high jump star Kudakwashe Chadenga led a clean sweep of the podium places by Louisiana State University (LSU) jumpers at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas in the US on Saturday.
The former Prince Edward School pupil led the way with gold, clearing the height of 2.15 meters to tie his season best.
Also clearing the height of 2.15 meters was the freshman Kam Franklin in second, tying him for eighth on the all-time LSU standout jumpers with Chadenga.
Sophomore Justine Jimoh who just transferred over to LSU finished with bronze, clearing a height of 2.10 meters.
Prior to moving to LSU Chadenga had been a dominant force on the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
During his stint in Texas Chadenga won the NJCAA indoor and outdoor titles twice each in consecutive seasons.
Since making the step up to the top division of the NationalCollege Athletic Association (NCAA) the gifted Zimbabwean has continued his development.
Chadenga holds the current national high jump record of 2.26 meters which he set in January, 2023 on his way to winning the high jump title at the Corky Classic held at the Texas Tech University.
The high jump star also previously held national high jump record of 2.22 metres which he set in February, 2022, then becoming the first Zimbabwean to clear the 2.20m mark in the high jump to break the then long standing high jump national record of 2.16 metres.
Prior to moving to LSU, Chadenga attracted interest from several top universities in the US with several track and field powerhouses such as Texas A&M University, the University of Alabama, University of Kentucky and Aurban University all offering him scholarships while he was given a tour of their world class facilities.
The gifted Zimbabwean athlete however opted for a move to LSU where he wanted to have an opportunity to work with revered coach Todd Lane.