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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN sprinter Ngoni Makusha is having the time of his life at the Tokyo Olympic Games, working hard to make a lasting impression on the track on Saturday and at the same time creating new friends.

The 26-year-old Makusha qualified for the Olympics via the universality ticket, becoming part of five athletes to represent the country at the Games.

The other four are the swimming duo of Donata Katai and Peter Wetzlar, rower Peter Purcell-Gilpin and golfer Scott Vincent.

Katai and Wetzlar are done with their events, with Purcell-Gilpin returning to action today to compete in the semi-final C/D.

Purcell-Gilpin is out of contention for a medal after he came sixth in the quarter-finals on Sunday. Only the top three progressed to semi-final A/B and those that finished outside that ranking compete in semi-final C/D.

Vincent tees off today, hoping to get a podium finish.

However, first-timer Makusha has set a realistic target, improving his personal best time.

With a personal best of 10,17 seconds in the 100m dash and 20,49 seconds in 200m, Makusha will only compete in the men’s 100m at the Games.

“I’m getting ready for the event and it’s exciting. I know the other athletes are done with their events and focus will be on me at the weekend. My focus is on stepping onto the track and giving my best performance without thinking about the multitudes of followers back home,” said Makusha.

He has been training under David Tinago and feels his performance is improving with each passing day, aided by world class facilities.

“It’s hot and humid. I’ve been having track and gym sessions. I feel like I’m improving every day and now I’m just polishing up on what we’ve been doing,” Makusha said.

The Zimbabwean athlete says being at the Olympic Village, sharing space with renowned athletes like tennis ace Novak Djokovic as well as sprinter Yohan Black has been a lifetime experience, something that he will treasure for the rest of his life.

Unfortunately for Makusha, he hasn’t been able to attend events where other Zimbabweans compete due to Covid-19, following other disciplines on TV.