By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwean sprint star Tapiwanashe Makarawu has been named the University of Kentucky’s Men’s Athlete of the Year following a sensational 2025 season.
Makarawu earned the top honour at the annual CATSPY Awards, which recognise outstanding athletic and academic performances across the university’s sports programmes.
Record-breaking season
The Zimbabwean sprinter enjoyed a remarkable year, winning two NCAA national titles.
He clinched the NCAA 200m Indoor Championship in March before completing the double with victory in the NCAA 200m Outdoor Championship in June.
His outdoor triumph was particularly historic, as he set both a school and Zimbabwe national record with a blistering time of 19.84 seconds.
Global impact for Zimbabwe
On the international stage, Makarawu continued to shine as he followed up on his success at the Paris Olympic Games two years ago.
He finished seventh in the 200m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, competing against the world’s elite sprinters.
He also made headlines recently by setting a new African record in the 150m on a curved track, clocking 14.96 seconds at the Miramar Invitational in Florida.
Recognition at CATSPY Awards
The 24th edition of the CATSPY Awards was held at Memorial Coliseum, celebrating achievements from April 2025 to April 2026.
A total of 31 individuals and three teams were honoured, with Makarawu standing out as one of the headline winners after a year of record-breaking performances.