By Mphokuhle Mtshayisa/Tanyaradzwa Rimayi
Gaborone, Botswana – Zimbabwe’s wheelchair racing team delivered a remarkable performance at the Botswana Life Classic Run Marathon held on Sunday at Fairgrounds in Gaborone, bringing home three gold medals and one silver medal despite competing with damaged racing equipment.
Godknows Dziripi won gold in the men’s 10km wheelchair race, while Samson Muroyiwa stormed to gold in the men’s 21km wheelchair race. In the women’s category, Thandiwe Ndlovu also claimed gold in the 21km race, while Moleen Majoni secured a well-deserved silver medal in the women’s 21km event.
The outstanding results came despite all four athletes competing in wheelchair racers with fractured frames and other mechanical challenges. Their resilience, determination and fighting spirit enabled them to overcome the setbacks and proudly raise Zimbabwe’s flag at the prestigious regional competition.
The team is now appealing to the corporate world, development partners and well-wishers to assist them with new racing wheelchairs as they prepare for their next major international assignment.
The athletes are set to represent Zimbabwe at the EDP Lisbon Marathon in Portugal on 10 and 11 October 2026, one of Europe’s premier road racing events. The race weekend will feature the full marathon, the Hyundai Half Marathon and the EDP 8K, with all races finishing at the iconic Praça do Comércio in downtown Lisbon.
Speaking after the competition, Team Manager Nyasha Nhau applauded the athletes for their courage and determination.
“Despite competing with wheelchair racers that have fractured frames and other mechanical challenges, our team performed exceptionally well and proved that disability is not inability. Winning three gold medals and one silver under such circumstances is a clear demonstration of their talent and resilience.
“We are now appealing to the corporate sector, individuals and development partners to support these athletes with new racing wheelchairs.
“With the right equipment, I have no doubt they can achieve even greater success when they represent Zimbabwe at the EDP Lisbon Marathon in Portugal this October. They have what it takes to compete with the world’s best.”
The team’s success has once again showcased Zimbabwe’s growing strength in disability sport and highlighted the urgent need for investment in adaptive sporting equipment so that athletes with disabilities can continue bringing glory to the nation on the international stage.