‘I just execute’ – says US-based Charamba as he breaks second Zimbabwe record

By Agencies

LEXINGTON, Kentucky: Auburn senior sprinter Makanakaishe Charamba ran a 19.92 in the preliminaries of the men’s 200m dash to break his native Zimbabwe’s national record, to pace Auburn during day one of the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Kentucky, Friday.

Charamba broke the Zimbabwe record of 19.93 set by Tapiwanashe Makarawu in August of last year and broke his own school record in the process.

He broke the 24-year-old school record at 200m a year ago at the same facility during the NCAA East Preliminary round. Charamba’s 19.92 ran Friday is also the fastest time collegiately in 2025, surpassing his 19.99 posted last month in Gainesville, Fla.

“Going into the race, I was thinking just run,” Charamba said.

“My philosophy is that I don’t think about anything when I get in the blocks because I just execute.

“At the end of the day, this race is just muscle memory. I’ve already done everything in practice, and now it’s time to go out there and put it all on the track.”

The top qualifier in the event, Charamba and teammate Dario Matau both advanced to Saturday’s 200m finals.

In February this year, Charamba also delivered a breathtaking performance at the Tiger Paw Invitational, clocking 20.16s in the men’s indoor 200m.

The electrifying time not only secured him victory but also placed him as the 8th fastest man in world history for the event.

Charamba’s record breaking run shattered the Zimbabwean national indoor 200m record, cementing his status as one of the fastest sprinters ever to emerge from the country.

His meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable, and this performance is yet another indication that he is destined for greatness on the global stage.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he competed in the men’s 200m, where he reached the final and finished eighth overall a significant achievement for Zimbabwean athletics.

Chramba’s ability to thrive among the world’s best has made him a rising force in the sprinting world.

Competing for Auburn University, he is now a major NCAA title contender and a strong prospect for future international medals.

With the Paris Olympics experience under his belt and an ever improving trajectory, Charamba is proving to be a genuine medal threat in the 200m, and the world will be watching as he aims for even greater heights in 2025 and beyond.