Makarawu, Charamba storm into World Championship semis

Zimbabwe's medal hopes remain alive at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after sprinters Tapiwanashe Makarawu and Makanakaishe Charamba powered their way into the 200m semifinals during yesterday's heats.

Makarawu, the more experienced of the duo, underlined his pedigree by winning his heat in a blistering 19.91 seconds. He narrowly held off American star Courtney Lindsey, who clocked 19.95 seconds, while Jamaican Adrian Kerr followed in 20.13. Makarawu's time was the second-fastest recorded across all heats, confirming his status as a serious contender.

Charamba, competing at the global stage for the first time, delivered a composed and tactical run to finish second in his heat with a personal-best 20.06 seconds. Only Jamaica's Bryan Levell went faster, winning in 19.84. Charamba's mark stood as the sixth-best overall time, a phenomenal achievement for a debutant.

The duo's qualification adds to Zimbabwe's growing presence at the championships, coming just days after long-distance runner Isaac Mpofu secured an impressive 10th-place finish in his race.

Their progress rekindles memories of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where both sprinters made history by reaching the 200m final — with Makarawu placing sixth and Charamba seventh.

With today's semifinals looming, Zimbabwe's chances of reaching the podium look more promising than ever.