|
|
|
|
| Sports |
| Chikwakwa nets K2 million in race |
|
by
Oris Chimenya, 28 June 2004
-
09:32:37
|
The story of Malawi athletics in Europe continues to shine bright. Catherine Chikwakwa repeated her record of doing Malawi proud when she successfully defended the 4.8km Darmstadt race title in Germany last Wednesday.
The win earned her a total of Euro 15,000 (K1,995,000) — Euro 5,000 as winner’s prize and Euro 10,000 defending champion appearance fee.
The 19-year old Chikwakwa finished in 15:01 minutes, beating 60 runners who included stars from Ethiopia and Kenya. The race took place last Wednesday.
According to Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) general secretary and official spokesman Haxson Chapasa, this is the first time the lady athlete has disclosed how much she has been given after winning a race.
He said Chikwakwa has improved in her time because her best record is 15:39 achieved in Osaka, Japan this year.
“She has really improved on finishing time. What I have noted is that Catherine [Chikwakwa] is good in road races and not on track races because her performance on the track is not good. Actually, her competitors have nicknamed her ‘One way clear’, according to Chapasa.
“We will try to send her to Italy for the International Athletics Associations Foundation (IAAF) Coca-Cola junior championship 5000m race which will take place from July 12-18, 2004 because her age is still in the junior category,” he said.
And on arrival at Lilongwe Airport on Sunday, Chikwakwa did not mince words about her victory.
“I am very glad that I have beaten many people who have already qualified for the Olympic games and that I have defended the championship,” said Chikwakwa.
Chikwakwa said it was not easy to beat the other athletes, most of whom were Europeans.
The Malawi’s athletics queen is also expected to take part in this weekend’s national championships. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
