Zimbabweans Rally Behind Sprinter Makarawu Following ‘Disrespectful’ Article

Zimbabweans from across the political divide have come together to defend sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu after the Daily News described his 7th-place finish in the men’s 200m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on 19 September 2025 as a “failure.” Many called the wording “disrespectful,” stressing that Makarawu had achieved a historic feat by becoming the 7th fastest sprinter in the world.

Zimbabweans United In Anger

The controversy began when the Daily News posted on X on 20 September 2025:

“ZIMBABWEAN sprinter Tapiwanashe Makarawu failed in his bid for a global medal yesterday, finishing seventh in the men’s 200m final at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.”

The backlash was swift. Advocate Fadzayi Mahere wrote:

“This is not how you describe a legendary Zimbabwean sprinter who excelled in his heat, had a brilliant showing in the semi-finals with a sub-20 dash and ran amongst the best in the world on behalf of all of us in the final. He is the 7th fastest 200m sprinter on the globe. Thank you, Tapiwanashe and Makanakaishe for representing us with excellence and ensuring Zimbabwe was on the board at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The future is incredibly bright and we will keep rooting for you both! #TeamZimbabwe”

Many echoed her sentiment. Solomon Saungweme posted:

“To use the word ‘failed’ on an athlete who finished 7th in the 200m final at the world stage is just madness. Failure is calling the number 7 in the world a failure. Out of 8 billion people he is 7th and Daily News sees failure there. Terrible to say the least.”

Another, @Munyah_Wacho, said:

“‘Failed’ kumunhu akaita number 7 in the world?? (You call someone who came 7th in the world a failure??)”

Pride In A Global Achievement

For others, Makarawu’s achievement was proof of Zimbabwe’s global sporting presence. @Manhize_53 wrote:

“If anything, Makarawu has put our beloved on the world map & made all of us proud. He became the 7th fastest man in the world. Musaite sembwa kudzingirira mota (Don’t behave like dogs chasing cars).”

@suprememxc also questioned the choice of words:

“Lets define ‘failed’ because I mean 7th in the whole world ka haiwawooo lingasjwayeli lina (you don’t usually get that).”

@NyashaSande1 emphasised the record set:

“Poor reporting. The guy did exceptionally well, even set a new record for our country.”

@TravelGuy explained further:

“We have an opportunity to celebrate a young talent who gave his all, won in his heat, finished second in a very fast race, and came 7th against world champions. He did not fail, he succeeded in representing Zimbabwe on the big stage. Respect.”

Calls For Rethink In Reporting

The criticism crossed political and social lines. One user, @RudoManyere, said:

“You do know he is 7th in the WORLD, right? Not mu Zim or Africa but IN THE WORLD!”

Another, @FariSnoe, added:

“Failed kudii ko imi? (Failed how?) He did very well against the global best. No medal but still a great achievement. You could have told his story so much better than this.”

@SavannahSamas noted:

“We celebrate his incredible achievement of reaching a global final! Competing amongst the world’s elite and representing Zim on such a grand stage is a testament to his immense talent and dedication. This is a moment of national pride, and we look forward to his continued success.”

@MrTsvangirayi referenced scripture:

“‘A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’ (Mark 6:4, NIV)”

Many urged Daily News to retract the article. @chipamaungar wrote:

“How about a spirited outing couldn’t make it to the next stage. Zimbabweans don’t fail, they can falter. Any other narrative is unpatriotic and uncalled for.”

By late morning on 20 September, Makarawu’s name continued trending, with Zimbabweans united in defence of a young sprinter who had put the nation on the map.