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| Sports |
| Triumphant Moyo back |
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by
Oris Chimenya, 10 March 2005
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17:10:08
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Triumphant athlete Henry Moyo jetted back home yesterday after winning Kuala Lumpur Marathon in Malaysia which took place on Sunday.
Moyo beat over 7000 contenders from all over the world who included Kenyans and Ethiopians to win the 42 kilometre marathon in 2 hours 14 minutes.
Beaming with pride, the 29 year son of Malawi said on Wednesday at Chileka Airport: “They did not believe I was a Malawian. Many thought I was Kenyan or Ethiopian. They also tested my blood for drugs and it was negative”.
Moyo said the last 12 kilometres were the most difficult, adding it was at that point that most well known athletes from Ethiopia gave up.
He also said he will use part of the K1 million ($9,259) prize money he received in Malaysia to help develop young athletes in the country.
“I intend to help the country’s young athletes through the association [Athletics Association of Malawi] in terms of training shoes and tracksuits which will also motivate them. But I have not yet done the budget,” said Moyo.
Moyo, who is also a sergeant in the Malawi Police Service, thanked his boss Inspector General Mary Nangwale for allowing him to attend the international event.
The star encouraged young athletes to desist from smoking, premarital sex immorality, alcohol abuse and indiscipline.
AAM vice president Godfrey Phiri said he was proud of Moyo’s success, saying the athlete was Olympics material last year but failed because of an injury.
“The good thing is that he has improved his time from last year National Insurance Company (Nico) marathon’s 2 hours 18 minutes to 2 hours 14 minutes,” said Phiri with a wide smile.
Phiri said Moyo will be accorded full 2008 Olympics participation because of the victory.
Following the win, Moyo will defend the title next year. |
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