By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA’s fastest sprinter Muzala Samukonga has continued to prove that he is destined for greatness at the upcoming World Championships slated for August 2023 in Budapest after he scooped gold in the men’s 400 meters race at the 2023 Ostrava Golden Spikes continental tour.
Samukonga, whose dream is to win gold at the World Championships which will run from August 19-27 in Hungary, showed great determination as he raced in lane six to clock 45.05 seconds which was enough to win him gold.
Speaking after the race in the Czech Republic, Samukonga hailed his supporters and his coach for the support, coaching, and words of encouragement that inspires him to perform well.
“This season started on a brighter note with six races, five wins, and one-second position. Indeed, “We are back in the champions league” as the President always says,” Samukonga said.
“With regards to yesterday’s race, it was an exciting race and a race to remember I went on the running track with the morale of finishing strong as you all call it the trademark finish, I got your advice to start strong and finish with the usual power. Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedule just to watch the race from different places, I could feel the noise of my country people in the stadium just when I stepped on the running track. Indeed, where ever I go I shall carry my country’s support,” he said.
Samukonga’s personal best record stands at 43.91 seconds making him the world’s fastest 400 meters sprinter of the season.
In the race at the 2023 Ostrava Golden Spikes continental tour, Samukonga outsprinted South Africa’s Zakithi Nene and Oleksandr Pohorilko who settled for Silver and Bronze after they clocked 45.22 and 45.37 seconds respectively.
Muzala’s impressive showing at the Golden Spikes Continental tour comes after he scooped Silver on his debut appearance at the Diamond League on June 15.
At the Diamond League, Samukonga finished second with a time of 44.49 seconds. He finished just behind the world record holder, South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk, who clocked 44.38 seconds to win the Diamond League’s gold medal.
Meanwhile, Minister of Sports Youth and Arts Elvis Nkandu has praised Samukonga for making the country proud at the Ostrava Golden Spikes continental tour.
“Congratulations to Zambia’s 2022 Commonwealth Gold winner Muzala Samukonga for minting Gold in his maiden appearance at the 2023 Ostrava Golden Spikes continental tour held in the Czech Republic,” Nkandu said.
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