By Zim Sport Live Writer
Former Zimbabwean Olympic star Ken Harnden continues to grow in stature as one of the leading athletics coaches in the world after being named the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s Outdoor Track & Field National Assistant Coach of the Year for the second successive year.
Harden’s notable recognition was announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) organization on Monday after he masterminded yet another successful season by the Auburn University track and field.
The former hurdler who specialized in the 400 metres hurdles in his career was recognised by fellow member coaches, who voted on the award winners following the conclusion of the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
The 52-year-old Harare-born mentor is in his third year at Auburn, which is also home to Zimbabwean rising stars Makanakaishe Charamba and Vimbayi Maisvorewa.
Charamba was part of Auburn University’s men’s 4x100m relay team which won their second-consecutive NCAA championship in a blistering 38.33 seconds.
Harden’s protégé Charamba also equaled Auburn’s record in the 200m (19.92) to claim silver, delivering the Tigers’ best finish in the event at outdoor nationals since Coby Miller also finished second in 1999 and 2000.
It marks the second consecutive outdoor season that Harnden, who coaches the men’s sprints and hurdles, has received the national award.
Harnden is a distinguished Olympian who proudly represented Zimbabwe at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics.
Since hanging his spikes, Harden has transformed himself into coaching legend on the US collegiate circuit while inspiring the next generation of Zimbabwean athletes and coaches.