By Zim Sport Live Writer

US-based Zimbabwean middle-distance runner Nontokozo Ncube continued her impressive rise on the collegiate circuit with a standout performance in the women’s 800m at the LSU Battle on the Bayou.

Competing at the Bernie Moore Track Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ncube — in her debut season with the University of Minnesota — clocked a personal best time of 2:04.72. The mark ranks as the second-fastest in the university’s history.

Her performance places her just behind Heather Dorniden, whose 2:01.05 remains the school record set during her bronze medal-winning run at the 2007 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

In a highly competitive race, Ncube finished a commendable fifth. The event was won by Veronica Hargrave in 2:02.08, while Oluwatosin Awoleye claimed second place in 2:02.21.

Zimbabwe’s national 800m record still stands at 2:00.49, set by Julia Sakara at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — a benchmark Ncube is steadily edging closer to.

Ncube’s latest performance underlines her growing status as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising middle-distance talents on the US collegiate circuit.