Makarawu sets new indoor 300m national record in United States

United States-based Zimbabwean sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu has once again made headlines by breaking the national indoor record for the 300m at the Louisville Opener, held at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Centre on Wednesday.

Makarawu, currently ranked sixth in the world in 2024, clocked a remarkable 32.72 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 33.14 seconds set by Kundai Maguranyanga in 2021. This impressive achievement not only marks the start of Makarawu's 2024-2025 athletic season but also solidifies his place as the third fastest runner in history, according to the University of Kentucky's track program.

The sprinter, who joined the University of Kentucky Wildcats from New Mexico Junior College earlier this year, has consistently demonstrated his speed, previously securing the top time in the 60m preliminaries with an impressive 6.75 seconds, although he did not compete in the final.

Makarawu's performance at the Louisville Opener highlights his continued rise as one of the top sprinters globally. His record-breaking run has garnered widespread praise, and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee celebrated his success via social media, congratulating him on his achievement.

"Huge congratulations to Tapiwa Makarawu on shattering the indoor 300m national record. @carliemakarawu blazed across the finish line with an impressive time of 32.72 seconds, eclipsing the previous record of 33.14 seconds set by Kundai Maguranyanga," the committee posted.

This victory further cements Makarawu's status as a key figure in Zimbabwe's track and field scene, and with the 2024 athletics season in full swing, his record-breaking performance sets the stage for even more success in the coming months.