By Zim Sport Live Writer
Top Zimbabwean middle-distance runner Privilege Chikara is enjoying a standout indoor track and field season in the United States, underlining her growing reputation as one of the country’s brightest athletics prospects.
The 23-year-old, who is on an athletic scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University, delivered an impressive performance at the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville, Kentucky.
Chikara claimed first place in both the women’s 800m and 400m races and finished second in the women’s mile.
Her outing was highlighted by two new personal bests.
She clocked 4:42.90 in the mile and 56.75 in the 400m, while her season-best time of 2:06.49 in the 800m set the tone for what has been a remarkable indoor campaign.
Chikara’s rise began at the National Sports Academy at Bindura University of Science Education before she moved to the United States on scholarship to Meridian Community College in Mississippi.
There, she made an immediate impact and was named the National Women’s Track Athlete of the Year for the 2023 NJCAA Indoor Track & Field season.
She capped that season by winning national titles in both the 800m and the mile at the 2023 NJCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Topeka, Kansas.
Her success earned her a move to Tennessee State University, and she is now continuing her development at Middle Tennessee State University.
With consistent performances and improving times, Chikara’s indoor season is shaping up as another important step in her steady progression on the international athletics stage.