Harare, (New Ziana) –Rising local track and field stars showcased their potential on home turf, clinching a total of 34 medals at the Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships held on Sunday at the University of Zimbabwe.
In what was both a strategic and symbolic statement of intent, Zimbabwe dominated the medal tally at the regional meet, outclassing nine other countries including regional athletics giants Botswana and South Africa.
The competition, which brings together Southern Africa’s top senior athletes, served as both a high-level contest and a platform for nurturing future Olympic hopefuls.
Zimbabwe made an impressive haul of 6 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze medals, making it the top-performing nation at the event, with the success largely credited to the bold decision by the National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) to field a youthful team, most of whom are still in their teens.
The move, while unconventional for a senior-level competition, was a deliberate developmental strategy aimed at building a strong foundation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the United States. “Our focus is now firmly on the next generation of athletes.
This championship was not just about medals but about preparing young talent for the future. We are targeting double-digit representation in athletics at the 2028 Olympics, and this kind of exposure is exactly what our athletes need,” said NAAZ president Tendai Tagara.
The Southern Region Senior Athletics Championships, governed by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), serve as an important benchmark for upcoming talent across southern Africa, with past editions having assisted in propelling athletes into global stardom, including at the Olympics.
For Zimbabwe, which has historically produced renowned athletes like Samukeliso Moyo and Talkmore Nyongani, the resurgence signals a potential revival of the country’s athletic fortunes. The strong performance in Harare is likely to boost morale and attract further support for grassroots athletics development.
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