Nurture sprinters to unleash their talent

It is not every day that Tanzania produces sprinters who go on to hit the limelight at high-profile athletics championships. Lately, though, there has been a rise in the number of young athletes in short distance races, the latest evidence being the recent National Athletics Championship at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro.

Emerging talents like Rehema John and Filomena Magige stole the show in the girls’ 100m and 200m respectively.Maria Sorri (javelin), Rehema John (200m) and Sarah Joel (400m hurdles) were on display during the annual event.

As star athletes worldwide tune up for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Athletics Tanzania must focus on this group, given that the event is just two years ahead of the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

For years, short distance runners have been relegated to the shadows as the focus remains on their middle and long distance colleagues.

This has “robbed” them of an opportunity to excel in the energy-sapping sport and show the world what they are made of. Sprint and field events require technical support and constant monitoring by qualified coaches. Athletics Tanzania has failed to invest in this area.

While these youngsters were not using modern equipment during the national championship, they displayed high commitment.

Athletes who shine in international championships use modern facilities like take-off blocks and running spikes during trial events.

This is not the case in our country. If the support required is not forthcoming, most--if not all--of these gifted youngsters will move on to middle or long distance races, erasing the gains made in sprints. We have to invest in this area if we really want to create our own (Usain) Bolts.