Simbu receives hero’s welcome after World Athletics victory
National Sport Council (NSC) Neema Msittha (first right) is seen alongside Tanzanian’s star Athlete Alphonse Simbu ( holding bouquet of flower) upon his arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport ( JNIA terminal 3) from Tokyo Japan where he made history as the first Tanzanian to win in a gold medal in the marathon at world championships.PHOTO/COURTESY
He received a heroic welcome at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA Terminal 3), where officials, led by National Sports Council (NSC) secretary general Neema Msitha, Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) officers, and athletics stakeholders, joined the celebration
Dar es Salaam. World Athletics Championship marathon gold medalist Alphonce Simbu has said that determination and perseverance are the pillars of his success.
Speaking upon his arrival yesterday morning from Tokyo, Japan where he won gold in the just-ended World Athletics Championships to make history for Tanzania—Simbu was visibly emotional.
He received a heroic welcome at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA Terminal 3), where officials, led by National Sports Council (NSC) secretary general Neema Msitha, Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) officers, and athletics stakeholders, joined the celebration.
The atmosphere at JNIA was electric. Traditional drummers, military officers, fans, and even foreigners awaiting flights joined in a spontaneous celebration. The arrival gate erupted with cheers as Simbu emerged, medal in hand, overwhelmed by the warm reception.
Simbu dedicated the medal to all Tanzanians, calling it a big step forward and proof that any athlete from the country can reach the highest level. “I first tried in 2015 in China but failed. In 2017, I won bronze in London.
I kept trying, I kept failing, but I never gave up. Even the Kenyans were shocked to see a Tanzanian win,” he recalled with a smile.
His triumph, he said, was built on preparation and discipline. Learning from last year’s disappointment in Paris, he focused on hill training and running on varied surfaces to sharpen his endurance and strength.
His coach, Anthony Mwingereza of the TPDF, highlighted Simbu’s military-style regimen at the 977 Regiment Camp. “This is Tanzania’s first world marathon gold since 1954. It came through discipline, structure, and sacrifice,” he said.
Simbu also expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for investing in sports, and to CDF General Jacob Mkunda for giving him the time and space to prepare while serving in the army.
NSC secretary general Neema Msitha commended Simbu for his achievement and urged other athletes to follow his example. “We thank Simbu for this historic success.
He has proved that effort and determination always pay. We are here at night to welcome him because he has shown it is possible to beat the world’s best athletes,” she said.
