By Daniel Nhakaniso
Newly appointed Auburn University head track and field coach Ken Harnden has revealed that the African philosophy of Ubuntu will be the cornerstone of his leadership as he takes charge of one of the United States’ premier collegiate athletics programmes.
Speaking during his introductory press conference on Wednesday, a day after being promoted to head coach, the former Zimbabwe Olympic hurdler reflected on how the values he grew up with in Zimbabwe continue to shape his coaching philosophy.
Harnden explained that Ubuntu, which translates to “I am because we are,” has guided him throughout his life and career, placing teamwork, trust and collective success at the heart of everything he does.
“Where I grew up we have a word, Ubuntu. The meaning is basically ‘I am because we are,'” Harnden said.
The two-time Olympian also spoke about his long-standing friendship with fellow Zimbabwean and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry, saying they share the same guiding principles.
“I have a very good friend you all know, Auburn legend Kirsty Coventry. She is the president of the IOC. We grew up together and Kirsty used that word in one of her speeches. She talked about how it guides her in everything she does.”
Harnden said the philosophy has been central to his coaching journey, believing that great achievements are built through the people around you rather than individual success.
“I believe it means that the people around us are what makes the difference. John Cohen has given myself and my family this opportunity to continue striving for national championships and for the GPA trophy that we are going to start next year in a place filled with wonderful people. That’s the beginning and foundation of what we do as a track and field programme.”
Harnden’s appointment as Auburn head coach crowns an extraordinary coaching career spanning more than two decades in the NCAA.
Since joining Auburn in 2022 as assistant head coach, the Zimbabwean has transformed the Tigers’ sprint programme into one of the best in the country, helping the university win multiple NCAA titles while producing world-class athletes.
This season alone, Harnden coached American hurdler Ja’Kobe Tharp to a world-record 12.75 seconds in the 110m hurdles during the NCAA Championships—the first world record set at the championships in 50 years.
He also guided Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi to NCAA titles indoors and outdoors, while Zimbabwean sprint star Makanakaishe Charamba played a key role in Auburn’s record-breaking 4x100m relay team.
A seven-time USTFCCCA National Assistant Coach of the Year, Harnden has coached 24 Olympians, guided athletes to 31 NCAA individual championships, four relay national titles and more than 200 First-Team All-America honours.
Before embarking on his successful coaching career in the United States, Harnden, a former Peterhouse College student, enjoyed an outstanding career as an athlete, representing Zimbabwe at the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in the 400m hurdles.
He also reached two World Championship finals and still holds Zimbabwe’s national record of 48.05 seconds in the event.
Now leading Auburn’s prestigious track and field programme, Harnden says the values instilled in him growing up in Zimbabwe—embodied by Ubuntu—will continue to drive his pursuit of excellence while fostering a culture built on teamwork, trust and shared success.